Extracts from the Presbytery book of Strathbogie, A.D.M.DC. XXXI.-M.DC. LIV

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EXTRACTS

FROM

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK

OF

STRATHBOGIE.

ABERDEEN : PRINTED AT THE CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICE,
BY WILLIAM BENNETT.

EXTRACTS

FROM

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK

OF

STRATHBOGIE.

A.D. M.DC.XXXI.-M.DC.LIV.

ABERDEEN:
PRINTED FOR THE SPALDING CLUB.

M.DCCC.XLIII.

MiCROFOfiMED BY

PRESERVATION

Si=RVIC£S

£>ATE '^Ul 3 0 1992

THE SPALDING CLUB.

AUGUST, M.DCCC.XLIII.

THE EARL OF ABERDEEN, K. T.

THE DUKE OF RICHMOND, K.G.
THE DUKE OF SUTHERLAND, K.G.
THE EARL OF ERROLL, K.T.
THE EARL OF MURRAY, K.T.
THE VISCOUNT ARBUTHNOTT.

Ef^t OTouncil.

The Honourable The Lord Provost of Aberdeen.

John Angus, Esq., Advocate, Town-Clerk of Aberdeen.

The Reverend James Bryce, Aberdeen.

John Hill, Burton, Esq. Advocate, Edinburgh.

Sir Robert Abercromby of Birkenbog, Bart.

Thomas Abercromby Duff, Esq. of Haddo.

The Reverend Sir William Dunbar of Durn, Bart.

John Dunn, Esq., Advocate, Aberdeen.

Lord Francis Egerton, M.P.

The Honourable The Master of Forbes.

James Giles, Esq., R.S. A., Aberdeen.

John Gordon, Esq. of Cairnbulg, Advocate, F.R.S., F.S.A., Scot.

Colonel Thomas Gordon of Park.

William Gordon, Esq. of Fyvie.

Robert Grant, Esq. of Tillyfour.

George Grub, Esq., Advocate, Aberdeen.

The Very Reverend Principal Jack, King's College, Aberdeen.

Cosmo Innes, Esq., Advocate, Sheriff of Murray.

Alex. Johnston, Esq., W.S., Tullos House.

Professor William Knight, LL.D., Marischal College.

The Right Reverend James Kyle, D.D., Preshome.

Henry Lumsden, Esq. of Tilwhilly.

The Reverend James Melvin, LL.D.

J. P. Muirhead, Esq., Advocate, Edinburgh.

Joseph Robertson, Esq., Glasgow.

Professor Hercules Scott, King's College.

The Right Reverend William Skinner, D.D., Aberdeen.

John Smith, LL.D., of Crutherland, Glasgow.

Alex. Thomson, Esq., of Banchory.

John Stuart, Esq., Advocate, Aberdeen.

John Blaikie, Esq., Advocate, Aberdeen.
John Ligertwood, Esq., Advocate, Aberdeen.

ilocal Secretaries.

London, James Mitchell, Esq. LL.D., 36, New Broad Street.

Liverpool, John Alexander, Esq., Goree Piazzas.

Reading, John Richards, Jun., Esq.

Edinburgh, John Jopp, Esq., W.S., 30, Albany Street.

Glasgoiv, John Smith, Esq., LL.D., of Crutherland.

Elgin, John G. Cameron, Esq.

THE EDITOR'S PREFACE.

The Extracts in the Volume now presented to the Club have been
selected from the original Record of the Proceedings of the Pres-
bytery of Strathbogie, during the important period intervening be-
tween 1631 and 1654. Like many of our ecclesiastical records, the
one in question seems to have undergone much hard usage, and is
somewhat blurred and imperfect — rarely so much so, however, as
to prevent the meaning of almost any part of it from being dis-
covered. It is the earliest Record belonging to the Presbytery,
and there is a gap of half a century between its conclusion and the
succeeding volume.

The present volume is the first of a projected series of illus-
trations from the Ecclesiastical Records of the Province ; and it is
conceived that, from the variety of characters noticed in it, as well
as the numerous incidental illustrations of history and manners
which it affords, this volume will not be received as an unsatis-
factory commencement.

It would be difficult to over-rate the value and interest Avhich
some of these Records possess, as indicative of the under current
and real state of society at the time. Histories are necessarily
general, and are most conversant with the surface of things ; the
more minute and homely details of manners and social intercourse
which are necessary for enabling us at all to realize the position of
our ancestors, must be gleaned from such sources as those now
referred to. Formerly, many subjects fell under the cognizance
of our ecclesiastical courts which in the present day would be

viii THE EDITOR'S PREFACE.

thought out of place ; and many historical references are given,
and traits of manners preserved in their records, which one would
not have been prepared to expect.

During the period comprehended in the present volume, the Pres-
bytery of Strathbogie was composed of the parishes of Botrifnie,
Keith, Grange, Rothiemay, Rhynie, Gartly, Glass, Dunbennand
and Kinnoir, (united into one parish, called Huntly, in 1727,) Bo-
tarie and Ruthven, (united into the parish of Cairnie,) ^ Tnver-
keithny, and Abercherdour.

Most of the district in which these parishes are situated was under
the control of the Gordon family, and formed part of what was po-
pularly called " the Gordon country." It is on the confines of the
Highlands ; and its population would appear, from the Extracts in
this volume, to have been sufficiently rude and ignorant. During
the first seven years embraced in the Record, the established form
of church government in the kingdom was Episcopal ; but no per-

' [Botarie was the ordinary place of meeting of the Presbytery, and became the parish
church of the united parishes. There is here a fragment of an aisle, belonging to the Gor-
dons of Pitlurg, and the following inscription : " Sir • Jhone • Gordone • of • Pet-
Ivrg • Knycht • cavst • big • this • lie • in • rememberans • of • his • predicessovris •
qvha • ar • bureit • heir • and -to-be • And - to-be - ane • bvrial • to • him -
and • his • svccesovris - sae • lang • as - it - plesis • god • thay - continev - 1597 • "

An interesting tradition is connected with this burial place. A servant of the family, of
the name of " Thoni," had saved his master's life in battle, and for his services on that and
other occasions, permission was granted to him and his descendants to be interred " at the
Gordons feet," and the privilege is still exercised by the vassal's descendants, although the
chieftain's family has removed to another district and found another tomb.

The gable and belfry of the old church of Ruthven still remain, as well as part of the
north wall of the church. In a niche in the latter there is placed the effigy of " Tam of
Ruthven," one of the sons of Sir Adam Gordon of Huntly. He is in full panoply, but
there is no inscrijjtion to his memory. It is said that, on some occasion, he was challenged
by " the Monk of Grange," and that they met at a spot on the banks of the Isla, where
Tam slew the monk, and where a cairn still exists to his memory.

The belfry of Ruthven still contains a bell of a fine tone, on which is the following in-
scription, much and very oddly contracted : " Omne regnum inseipsum divisum desolabitur.
1643." The bell is generally known by the name of the " Wow of Ruthven," and is said
to have been brought from the low countries. The people of the district are much attached
to the " Wow," and when an attempt was made to remove the bell from its present situation
to the church of Cairney, it was vigorously resisted by the amazons of Ruthven, who are
said to have had their faces blackened on the occasion, and to have saluted the assailants
with showers of stones.]

THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. ix

ceptible difference appears in the forms and proceedings adopted
by the Presbytery after that system was overturned. Mr. Joseph
Brody, minister of Keith, and Mr. John Annand, minister of Kinnoir
and Dunbennand, left the Glasgow Assembly because " the Commis-
sioner had charged the Assemblye to ryse under paine of treason ; "
but these gentlemen and their co-presbyters seem, without any dif-
ficulty or efi'ort, to have become zealous supporters of Presbytery and
the Covenant. Mr. Alexander Innes, minister at Rothiemay, was
deprived of his office ; and in giving his penitential sermon, he " re-
futed Episcopacie to he Juris divini, and to be bot humanum insti-
tutum,'' as a course most likely to recommend him to the tender
mercies of his brethren. It may be inferred from these, and many
other circumstances which occurred over the whole country, that the
hold which the system had generally got in Scotland was but slight,
and that it was founded and kept up fully as much from a motive
of obedience to the Crown? as from any preference of the principles
of Episcopacy.

The questions which were discussed at the meetings of the Pres-
bytery, afford us an idea of the prevailing theological subjects
of debate at the time. Those referred to in the present volume are,

An externum regimen ecclesiae sit monarc^ncum.

De efficacia sacramentorum.

An ecclesia possit errnre.

De formali causa jitstificationis.

De invocatione sanctorum.

De libera arbitrio.

De perspicuitate Scripturae.

De vocatione ministrorum.

De lymho.

De paedobaptismo.

Some light is also thrown on the prevalent state of feeling
on the subject of Witchcraft. The General Assembly held at
Edinburgh in 1649, "in consideration of the growth of the sins
of witchcraft, charming, and consulting," appointed a commis-
sion " for a conference of ministers, lawyers, and phisitians, con-

X THE EDITOR'S PREFACE.

cerning the punishment of witchcraft, charming, and consulting ;"
and it is quite evident that both clergy and laity were persuaded
of the existence of this supernatural power, while the numerous
trials and executions which occurred in all parts of the country
bear lamentable testimony to the generality of the belief. The
charming and witchcraft referred to in this volume were generally
connected with cures wrought or attempted for some severe disease.
The Editor embraces the present opportunity of introducing a few
Extracts from the contemporary Kirk-Session Records of the
burgh of Perth, and of the parishes of Echt and Belhelvie, to
illustrate the variations which prevailed in the belief of this su-
perstition in different parts of the country, as well as the state of
manners generally.

PERTH.

loABELL HALDANE.

May 16, 1623. Isabell Haldane compeared before the Session of Perth, and after
jjraycrs had been made to God to open her heart and loose her tongue to confess the truth,
she was asked if she had any skill of cureing men, women, or bairns, that were diseased ?
She answered she had none.

Being required to declare if she cured Andrew Duncans bairn ? She answered, that ac-
cording to the direction of Janet Trail, she went with Alexander Lokhart down to the
Turret Port, and took water from the burn there, being dumb. That she brought it to
Andrew Duncans house, and there on her knees washed the bairn in the name of the Father,
Son, and Holy Ghost. Afterwards, being accompanied with Alexander Lokhart, she took
the water and the bairns sark and cast both into the bum. Being asked if she had any
conversation with the fairy folk ? She answered, that ten years since, when she was lieing in
her bed, she was taken fortii, whether it was by God or the Devil, she knows not ; but she
was carried to a hill side, and the hill opened, and she entered. She stayed there three
flays, viz. from Thursdaj' till Sunday, at twelve hours, when a man with a grey beard came
to her tiiere, and brought her forth again. The same day, John Rioch deponed, that about
that same time, being in James Christie, the wrights booth, where he was causing him to
make a cradle to him because his wife was near the down lying, the said Isabell jjassed by
and spake to iiim these words, " Be not so hasty, for you need not, your wife shall not be
iiglitcrcd till this time five weeks, and then the tiairn shall never lie in the cradle. It shall
be born, and baptized, and never suck, but shall die and be taken away ;" and as the said
Isal)cii spake, so it came to pass in every point. The said Isabell being required to declare
how she knew that ? She answered, that the man with the grey beard told her. The said
John Rioch deponed, that Margaret Buchanan, spouse to David Randie, being well in health,
and at her ordinary work, the said Isabell came to her and said, " Make you ready for
death, for before Fastens Even you sliall be taken away." It was then within a few days of
Fastens Even, and as the said Isabell spake, so it happened, for before that term the woman
died. The said Isabell being iisked how she knew the term of the womans life ? She
answered, that she had sjteired at that same man with the grey beard who had told her.
Patrick K-jtliven, skinner in Perth, compeared and declared, that he having been witched

THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. xi

by Margaret Hornscleuch, Isabell Haldane came to see him. She went into the bed where
he lay, and stretched herself above him, laying her head to his head, her hands over him,
and so forth, mumbling some words, but he knew not what they were.

May 19, 1623. Compeared Stephen Ray in Muirton, and deponed, that three years since,
Isabell Haldane having stolen some bear forth the hall of Balhousie, he followed her and
brought her back again. She clapped him on the shoulder saying, " Go thy way, thou shalt
not win thyself a bannock for year and day," and as she threatened so it came to pass, for he
dwyned and was heavily diseased. The said Isabell confesses the away taking of the bear, and
the disease of the man, but affirms that she only said, " He that delivered me from the fairy
folk shall take amendis of thee." The said day, she confessed that she made three several
cakes, every one of them being made of nine curns of meal, which had been gotten from nine
women that were married maidens. She made a hole in the crown of every one of them,
and put a bairn through every cake three times, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost. There were women present who put the said bairns thrice backward through every
cake, using the same words.

The said Isabell confessed that she went silent to the well of Ruthven, and returned
silent, bringing water from thence to wash .Tohn Gows bairn. When she took the water
from the well, she left a part of the bairns sark at it, which she took with her to that effect.
When she came home again she washed the bairn with the water. She confessed that she
had done in like manner to John Gowerys bairn.

May 27. The said Isabell confessed that she had given drinks to cure bairns. Among
the rest, that David Morrices wife came to her and asked thrice help to her bairn, for God's
sake, because it was a shargie. She sent forth her son for fairy leaves, whereof she directed
the bairns mother to make a drink. But the bairns mother deponed, that the said Isabell
Haldane came to her house unrequired, and saw the bairn, and said it was a shargie taken
away. She thereupon took in hand to cure it, and to that effect gave the bairn a drink, but
shortly after the receipt of the drink, the bairn died.

JANET TRALL.

The accusations and depositions given in against Janet Trail and confessed b}' her, as
follows : May 22, 1623. Janet Trail being convened before the Session of Perth, was
asked if she had any skill to cure diseases ? She answered, she had none. Being asked if
she had used any cure to Andrew Duncans bairn ? She confessed that Janet Burry, the bairns
mother, brought the bairn to her, and told her that the bairn started in the night ; she told
the mother that the bairn had gotten a dint of evil wind ; and she directed her to cause two
persons to go down to south running water, and to brhig as much of it as would wash the
bairn, and that they should be dumb when bringing the water, and that after the bairn was
washed, they should carry back again the water with the bairns sark, and cast them
into the place where the water had been taken up. She farther directed her to bathe
the bairn with black wool and butter. Being asked if she did anything more to that bairn ?
She denied that she did ; and said that she was contented to be holden as a witch if anything
farther was proven. But immediately thereafter compeared the said Janet Burry, and af^
firmed that the said Janet Trail sent into her a shot star, which was to be used with
black wool for the bathing of the bairn. The said Janet Trail being asked if that was true ?
She confessed that she got a shot star at the burn side, and sent it in with the black wool,
and that after the cure was used, the child was healed. Being asked if she had used any
cure to Gilbert Fiddes, indweller in Perth ? She confessed that she was sent for to come to
him, but she denied that she had done anything to him except that she had directed that
white bread and wine and good cheer should be given to him.

Yet immediately thereafter, the said Gilbert Fiddes compeared, and affirmed that one
day when he was going to Scone, he went over some witchcraft which had been appointed
for some other men. That incontinent, he contracted a disease wherewith long after he was

xii THE EDITOR'S PREFACE.

pined, and then he sent for Janet Trail, who came to his house, and declared that he had
gotten a dint of ill wind, and promised to cure him. At the time of her curing him by
wiords, for no means was seen, the house shook, and his face turned in his neck, Janet
Trail being asked if this was true ? She confessed that sundry times before she had washed
him with south running water, and put him through a hesp of green yarn. She granted
that the house shook, and that his face turned in his neck. Afterwards it was demanded of
her to declare if Satan, her master, was there ? She answered, that he might have been
there, but she saw him not.

Being asked if she cured Duncan Tawis bairn, she confessed that Duncan Tawis and
Isabel Haldane came to her at her house in Blackruthven, and Duncan told her that he
thought his bairn was taken away, it being stiff as an aik tree, and unable to move. Having
heard this, she promised to come in and see the bairn. And when she came she took the
bairn upon her knee before the fire, drew every finger of its hands, and every toe of its feet,
mumbling all the while some words that could not be heard, and immediately the bairn was
cured. Being asked where she had learned to cure such diseases ? She answered that she
knew nothing but what she had learned from umquhill Janet Murray and Simmie Brown,
her son, who had used her so in the like diseases. Being asked if she had ever had any
conversation with the fairy folk ? She answered, that she was sore troubled by them ; but
had no other dealing with them.

May 26. The said Janet Trail was convened before the Session of Perth. After prayer
had been made to God, that he might direct her to declare the truth in those things that
should be asked, she sat trembling in hands, head, and body. Being asked what moved her,
she said she durst not confess for fear of spirits that vexed and troubled her. She was com-
forted by the ministers against that fear if she would confess. And then she was asked, where
she had learned her skill ? She deponed as follows, viz. " When I was lieing in child bed
lair, I was drawn forth from my bed to a dub near my house door in Dunning, and was
there puddled and troubled."

Being asked by whom this was done ? She answered, " by the fairy folks, who appeared
some of them red, some of them grey, and riding upon horses. The principal of them
that spake to me was like a bonny white man, riding upon a grey horse." She said, " He
desired me to speak of God, and do good to poor folks : and he shewed me the means how
I might do this, which was by washing, bathing, speaking words, putting sick persons
through hesps of yarn, and the like." Being asked when he came again to her? She
answered, " When I was on a rigg, shearing with my neighbours, the same folks came
back to me ; and the principal of them appeared, clad in green. They drave me down,
and then I was beside myself, and would have eaten the very earth beside me." Being
asked the cause why she was so much troubled by them ? She answered, that the principal of
them had bidden her do ill, by casting sickness upon people, and she refused to do it. Being
asked if she cured Robert Soutar, in Muirton ? She answered, that she did put him
through a hesp of yarn, and afterwards cut it in nine parts, and buried it in three lords
lands ; and that, in the meantime, while the cure was performing, the house shook. Being
asked if these folks troubled her afterwards ? She answered, that twelve years since, when
she was going out of this town, they dang her down, and she was then beside herself,
ready to cat the ground, and continued so till she came to Isabell Haldanes house, and got
a drink from her.

3 June. George Robertson, post, who was sent with the depositions of the witches
for ])urcliasing a commission to put the witches to an inquest, received from the session
four ])ounds one shilling and two pennies. Also, the clerk is ordained to direct a missive to
.•\ndrew Conqueror, commissioner to Parliament from the town, and another missive to
Charles Rollock, baillic, who are both presently in Edinburgh, and to write a letter to
Mr. John Guthrie, minister there, that they all three may concur together for obtaining
the said commission.

THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. . xiii

June 30. Mr. Archibald Steidman received twenty shillings, to enable him to sustain
the witches.

(N. B. by Mr. Scott of Perth.) A commission having been obtained, directed to the civil
magistrates, to try Margaret Hornscleuch, Isabell Haldane, and Janet Trail, accused of
witchcraft, these women were put to an assize, and the unhappy creatures being condemned,
seem to have suffered the ordinary punishment, viz., by being strangled at the stake, and
afterwards burnt, on Friday, July 18, 1623. After they were executed, the kirk session
proceeded to censure the persons who had sought cures from them.

ECHT.

4 Feb. 1649. The said day, James Arthour, kirk officer, being delait for singing off
nevyeir soungis on nevyeiris ewin, throu sindrie housis and tounis off the parisch, and

vther negligeancis, in his was suspendit from his office, and ordeined to compeir

nixt sessioun, this day aucht dayis, to be tryed theranent.

11 Feb. The said day, compeired the said James Arthour, kirk officer, and, being
tryed, was ordeined for his former delinquencie to mak his repentanc the nixt Sabbath, on
the piller, and therefter to stand befor the pulpeit, efter sermone, till the minister suld
mak knovin the caus to the congregatioun off his forsaid owersichtis, and giff exhortatioun
aganest that and all vther old superstitious customes of that natour.

18 Feb. The said day, James Arthour maid his repentanc, according to the former
act, in all poyntis, and was reponed to his office.

26 Agust 1649. The said day, according to the ordinanc of the presbytrie, compeired
Capitane Thomas Forbes, and Lievtenant James Forbes, and Enseingie Alexander Dugood,
efter sermone, confessing publicklie, with great humiliatioun, their fault and owersight,
and scandall giffine be tham for their being in that unlawful! engaigment, in Ingland, with
Duk Hammiltone, did subscriwe the band, according to the act of the Generall Assemblie
maid theranent, in sing off their greiff for the sam, as at mair lenth is contened therin.

13 of October, 1650. The said day, Jhone Arbuthnot, in Fynnersie, was delaitit for
breck of Sabboth, in careing of letters dereck from the Erll Marischall to the Earl Maris-
challs bailyie of Kintor, on the sext of October last bypast. The officer ordeined to
summond him to the nixt Sabboths sessione.

20 of October, 1650. The said day, compeired Jhone Arbuthnot; confessit his breck
off Sabboth, according to the delatioune in the former act. Ordeined to pay xxxiii s. 4 d.
penaltie, and sit thrie Sabboths on the piller ; or othervayis, to sit six Sabboths, and be
trie of the said pecuniall penaltie.

xi of Maij, 1651. The said day, compeired Margaret Forbes, and confessit that sche
went one with James Grames armie, from the tym that thai camped at Craigtoun, off the
south syd off the hill of Fair, till thai wer defeat at Philiphauche. Compeired also Chris-
ten Chalmer, and confessit that sche, efter hir cuming out of Irland, did follow ane
Irische mane, called Edmont O'Neill, in the said James Grame his armie, with quhom sche
wes acquent in Irland, till thai war owerthrawin at Philiphauche. The minister was
appoynted to vreit to the presbiteric for their advys concernand their censure, and
chargit her [them], apud acta, to compeir again befor the sessioune, the 25 of Maij nixt
to cum. [They wer sentenced *• to sit in the branx, in sackcloth, barfuitted, at the kirk
dor, betuix the two last bells, and therefter on the piller, the tym of sermone, alls mony
Sabboths as till the tym the sessioune and peoj)ill be satisfeit with thair repentanc."]

The last of Agust, 1651. The said day, in respeck off a great number off troupers and
horsmen quartering in the parische, on Saturday at nicht and this day all day, quhairby,
throu fear, the [)eopill war much distracted and hindered from convening, the fast was
delayed, and ajjpoynted to be keiped this day aucht dayis.

Juin 6, 1658. The said day, Alexander Carnie in Tillioche was delait for brack of
Sabbothe, in bearing ane scheip upon his back from the pastur to his owne hous.

Juin 20. The said day, Alexander Carnie compeirit, and declairit that it was of ncces-

xiv THE EDITOR'S PREFACE.

sitie for saiffing of the beastis lyff, in tj-m of storme. Was rebukit for the same, and
admonischit not to doe the lyik.

January 23, 1G59. This' day the people were in such disorder, that Alexander Michall
could not be reccavit to publick satisfaction ; for, because of wind that hapened sudenly,
all were under great feare of their corne and biggings.

BELHELVIE.

May 27, 1649. Delated this day, Janet Ross, suspect of charming ; and also Margaret
Giftbrd, for swearing. They are ordayned to be summondet to the next day.

June 3, 1649. Compeared Janet Ross, and denyed any practice of charming ; con-
fesst she had prescrybed to a patient sick of the fevers that which she got to herself in that
disease, namely, ane egg, mixed with aquavitae and pepper. So the elders were required
to use tryall if she did any other thing that myght draw her in the guilt of charming, and
she was dismissed for the tyme.

27 January, 1650. William Seaton of Many, and Alexander Innes, chamberlaine of
Belhelvie, being formerlie chosen justitiars, according to the Act of Parliament, for taking
order and inflicting censures upon delinquents convict in the kirk session ; the said William
being denudit of the said office, Robert Annand is substitute and admitted in his room.

28 April, ] 650. The said day, compeared Robert Glasse and his wyflPe ; and their
reason for not cohabitating being heard, were ordained to cohabitate primo quoque tempore.

30 December 1651. No sermon, the Englishes being in the church with the baggadge.

January 8, 1652. No lectur, because the shouldiors marched to their quarters, through
the paroch, at twelve hours.

September 29, 1676. Compeared Isabell Davidsone, and being enquired if shee had
keept tryst with anie parochiners here, on the Sabbath, anent the curing their diseases ;
answered negative. I^o- Being enquired if she had given at that tyme one cure to
diverse persons for different diseases, she confessed that shee had done it, and that she
gave all those who came to her ane potion made of ale and herbet. 3''o- Bein enquired
if shee had asked of them the moneth wherein they wer born, answered affirmative ;
and bein asked why shee did so, shee answered that, knowing the moneth in which they
•var born, she could tell them what had befallen them, or might befall them forward.
Being asked if she had said to George Lyell that a pain shee had in her syd was occa-
sioned by a burst, in running after a calfe, about eighteen years agoe ; answered affirma-
tive. Being asked if shee had said concerning Barbara Gibson if she knew her to have a
pain in her syde, (having never seen her, or spoken with her) ; answered, that the said
Barbara Gibsones mother having told her the tyme of her birth, shee knew her to be
troubled with that pain, and that it was occasioned by her falling in a tub full of water
when shee was four yeares of age. Being questioned how she had that knowledge ;
answered, by the twelve signes, for shee said there was fyve woirdes for men and fyve for
women in every signe. Being asked how shee knew that ; answered, by bookes. The
session, taking the matter to consideration, referred her to the presbytrie, to be examined
and purged by them ; and she was cited, apud acta, to keep the next meeting at Aberdin,
upon the last day of October next, and to bring her book with her.

October 15, 1676. This day, the minister intimated that Isabell Davidson, who had
been before the session for the scandall shee had given in this congregation, had drowned
herself, and therefore did warn the i)cople that, if any of them shall afterward have
recourse to charmers, or such as have familiar spirits, they shall be censured, as adulterers,
in sackloath.

" The superstition at Wallak Kirk," which is ordered to be cen-
sured, has continued to the present, or at least, recent times. The

THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. xv

church of the ancient parish of Dumeth, which now forms part of
Glass, was dedicated to St. Wolok. Walla Kirk and Kirkyard
are situated on a haugh, immediately below the castle of Beldor-
ney, on the precipitous bank of the Deveron. The Saint's Well is
near to the church, and was formerly much resorted to by diseased
persons ; and, even in our own day, it is said, a solitary pilgrim may
sometimes be seen brushing away the dews, on a May morning, on
his way to Walla Kirk. Two pools, called baths, formed by the
flowing of the Deveron between two rocks, were also held in great
estimation for effecting cures in the month of May ; and till lately,
multitudes of diseased children were bathed in these pools, on the
first day of that month, and their caps or some other part of their
attire left floating in the water. The practice of leaving part
of a person's dress, or the halters of cattle who were diseased, at
certain wells, was quite prevalent at a very recent period.' The
pilgrimages to such sacred wells and chapels, against which so
many orders of the Church are directed from the latter part of the
sixteenth century, appear to have been made with the view of pro-
pitiating the tutelar saints, by leaving some offering for them.^

A kindred superstition was the kindling of neidfyre, for curing
diseased cattle,^ to which several references are made in the Ex-
tracts.

Among the historical personages of whom we get some notices

1 [There is a well of this kind on the summit of the conical hill of St. Mungo, in the
parish of Kinnoir.]

2 [In Father Blackhall's MS. the following instance of this practice occurs : " Shortly
heirafter, in the octave of the Assum))tion of our Ladye, she [the Lady Aboyne] did go to
the Bogge of Gight to sie her mother-in-law, my Ladye Marqueis of Huntly, and to go from
thence a pilgrimage, two milles, to our Ladye of Grace, in Murray land. It had bein of
old a very devote place, and many pillgrimages had bein made to it from al the partes in the
Northe of Scotland ; but then ther was nothing standing of it but some brocken walles,
which the minister made throw downe within the chappelle, to hinder the people to pray
there ; a great devotion of their holy Covenant, rebellious both to God and their King.
She used to make that pillgrimage every year so long as she had health to do it, a mater
of threttie milles from her owne house, wherof she made two of them afoot, and bare-
footed, next to the chappell."]

3 [" Neidfyre. The fire produced by the friction of two pieces of wood." The super-
stition seems to have descended from Pagan times, and was forbidden by a council held in
the time of Charlemagne. See Jamieson's Scottish Dictionary, vol. ii.]

xvi THE EDITOR'S PREFACE.

in this volume, is the Lady Elizabeth Gordon, eldest daughter of
John, twelfth Earl of Sutherland, and wife of James Crichton of
Frendraucht. The House of Frendraucht, as is well known, from
the graphic account of the catastrophe given in Spalding's annals,
was destroyed by fire in 1630, and in it perished, among others, the
Viscount Melgum, second son of the Marquis of Huntly, and John
Gordon of Rothiemay, who were Frendraucht's guests at the time.
That the fire was accidental, there seems no reason to believe,
whether we judge from historical and contemporary documents, or
from the invariable tradition of the district ; nor is it easy to ac-
count for this mournful event, if we ascribe its occurrence (as is
done in the ballad which has preserved the memory of it,) to the
cruel treachery of Frendraucht and his lady, to whom no probable
motive can be assigned for its perpetration. In the ballad, it is
said that the Viscount and Rothiemay, on attempting to escape,
found the doors and windows secured.

When they were dressed in their clothes.

And ready for to boune.
The doors and windows were all secured.

The roof-tree burning down.
He did him to the wire window,

As fast as he could gang ;
Says, " Wae to the hands put in the stancheons.

For out we'll never win !"
When he stood at the wire window.

Most doleful to be seen,
He did espy her, Lady Frendraught,

Who stood upon the green.
Cried, " Mercy, mercy ! Lady Frendraught !

Will ye not sink with sin ?
For first your husband kill'd my father,

And now you burn his son !"
O then out s])oke her, Lady Frendraught,

And loudly did she cry,
" It were great pitie for good Lord John,

But none for Rothiemay.
But the keys are casten in the deep draw-well —

Ye cannot get away !"

After the fire, the Laird of Frendraucht removed to his House of
Kinnairdie, the lofty remains of which are perched on a knoll

THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. xvil

rising abruptly from a haiigb on the winding banks of the Deveron,
about three miles north-east from Frendraucht. The Lady Fren-
draucht was at this house when she is first noticed in the present
volume, and seems to have refused to attend the parish church
of Abercherder. Her husband was, however, an active mem-
ber of the covenanting forces in the district. After a confer-
ence with her minister, we find that the Lady " had resorted to
the church, and promised so to continue." She and her daughter,
Elizabeth, are then summoned for not hearing the word, and not
communicating. After a long interval, she is ordered " to be
dealt with," and her final answer obtained. It was then re-
ported, that " shoe promised to heir the vord," and an endeavour is
to be made to get her " to keip familie vorship vith the rest of the
familie." She again promises to hear the word, and the General
Assembly is consulted about her. In answer to another attempt,
she says " she will go to the church to which her husband goes,
which is not within the bounds of the Presbytery of Strathbogie."
She gets liberty from the Commissioners of the General Assembly
to be " ane ordinary hearer at Forgue for a time." In 1647, it
appears that the House of Frendraucht had been re-edified, and
that she lived there " for the most part." In 1 648, she is ordained
to be summoned for " her avowed papistrie, receit of masse preists,"
&c. In 1649, several steps are taken towards her excommunica-
tion. She, however, afterwards attends family worship in her own
family, and " promised to heir sermon." In September, 1649, it
is stated by the minister of Abercherder, that she had heard three
sermons, " and so, as he thought, shoe intended to continow ane
hearer." The Presbytery were not satisfied with her hearing a
sermon " now and then," and thought not " that kynd of heiring
satisfactorie," and therefore required her to subscribe the Covenant,
to show her conformity with the Kirk of Scotland ; this she
refused to do, and her excommunication was ordered to be pro-
nounced. In October, 1649, she promised " to tak the Covenant
and consider the same." In March, 1650, we find that she was

xviii THE EDITOR'S PREFACE.

" ane ordinare heirer of the vord, but vas not fullie satisfied for
subscryving the Covenant, and that the Laird mad vther ministeris
to confeiT with her." In June of the same year, she subscribed
the Solemne League and Covenant, and abjured " Poprie in the
seuerall headis and articles in the National Covenant." About a
year afterwards, it would appear that another conference took
place, at which she satisfied the brethren ; but, in 1652, we find
that she had " relapsed to poperie," and that " she was obstinate,
declaring hirself to be none of our church, and shee would neither
hear hirselfe nor suffer hir daughters to heare ; professing, moreover,
that shoe repented of her former repentance more than of anie
sinne that euer shoe committed, and thought shoe had reason to
repent all hir lyfe time for subscryving the National Covenant and
Solemne League and Covenant." She was ordered to be excom-
municated.

This familiar and persevering system of " dealing " with the Lady
Frendraucht, tends to strip her of that character of lofty cruelty
and unapproachable sternness in which the tradition of the district
has handed her down to us.

Lord Oliphant, who was excommunicated for his falling away to
Popery, was married to Mary Crichton, sister of the Laird of Fren-
draucht ; and, at the time when he is referred to in the volume, he
appears to have been residing at Kinnairdie, with the Lady Fren-
draucht.

Another lady, who attracted the notice of the Presbytery, was
the Lady Strabane, fourth daughter of the Marquis of Huntly, who
was married to Claud Hamilton, Lord Strabane, in 1632.'

In November, 1643, when residing at Lesmoir,^ the minister of

1 [Upon Wednesday, the 28th of November, afternoon, the Lord of Strabane, other-
wayes called the Master of Abercorn, was married with Lady Jean Gordon, the
Marques' youngest daughter, within the kirk of Bellie, be ane Irish minister, brought with
him of purpose. They were honourablie entertained within the Bog, and within few days
departed home. Spalding, Hist, of Troubles. Bann. edit., vol. i., p. 14.]

2 [In this moneth of August, [1643,] the Marques' sister, Jeane Gordone, lady and
relict of uniquhill Claud Hamilton, Lord Strathbane, cam heir to the north, and took wp
her hous in Lesmoir. Spalding, vol. ii., p. 152.]

THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. Xix

Rhynie was directed to forbid her " the resett of any excommuni-
cat persones quhatsomeuer, Jesuitis or masse priestis, and to vatche
her hous as narrowlie as he could for that effect ; and during the
time of her abod heir, to labour to persuad hir from Poperie how
often he could have occasion of conference." In January, 1644, it
is reported that the Lady Strabane was resolved to return to Ire-
land, and had sent some of her servants to that country, to ascertain
if she could return with safety, and that, in the event of their find-
ing it unsafe, then she " sould not refuse instructioun be vay of con-
ference." In March, it is reported that her servants had returned
from Ireland, " and declared hir towne to be rebuilding, and so her
ladyship ves addressing hirself for hir remowall vith all convenient
diligence." '

The Ladies of Rothiemay, elder and younger, had many visita-
tions from the Presbytery with regard to their conformity.

The murder of William Crichton, of which several notices occur,
is thus alluded to by Spalding :

Upon the 23 of August, [1642,] Crichtoun, brother german to the laird of Fren-

dracht, wes unhappelie slayne at , be Adame Gordoun, ane young boy, with ane

pistol , he is sone to James Gordoun in Fechill, of the folkis of Curridoun, and servitour to

Urquhart of Crommy. Dumbar of Burgie, goodbrother to the laird of

Frendracht, had drawn on ane melting betwixt Crommy and • Crichtoun, who then

stood not in good tcrmes, whair Meldrum of Iden wes ; bot this meiting turned

tragical!, and Crommy, his boy, and Iden, haistellie fled the countrie, and saiflie
wan away. ^

The priests who performed the hazardous office of visiting the
Roman Catholic families in the country, assumed many disguises,
with the view of concealment ; but so vigilant a watch was kept for
them, that their haunts were soon discovered. Father Blackball,
whose name occurs with others in the present volume, was an es-
pecially active person in his vocation. He was for some time re-
sident at Aboyne Castle, and he wrote an account of the services
which he performed to the Lady Isabella Hay, daughter of the Earl

' [The castle of Strabane was burnt and destroyed by Sir Phelim O'Ncile, in the
rebellion of 1041. J

2 [Spalding, vol. ii., p. 70.]

XX THE EDITOR'S PREFACE.

of Erroll, Dame Sophia, Countess of Aboyne, and to her daughter,
which contains much curious information and local history.'

The following extract from the part of this work which relates
to his services to the Lady Aboyne, shows the families whom he
visited ; and it will be remarked, that some of them are referred
to by the Presbytery as suspected Papists, and that, although they
signed the Covenant, they would not communicate :

I did never go any way from her [the Lady Aboyne] ungiveing her a note be wreate, show-
ing wher I was going, and where I might bee found every day or night until I did returne
ao-aine to her housse, so that she did know ever wher to send for me, and undoubtedly find me,
if she needed me befor my returning, and tould her what day precisely I would returne, and
never failed to kepe my day, although it should be midnight and more befor I could returne,
as for the most it was, because I knew that she would apprehend that I wer tacken prisonnier
if I did not returne at the day appointed. My cours was not very great, but only from her
house of Aboyne to Aberdein, two and twenty miles, wher 1 did confesse and communicat al
the Catholiks that were ther ; and from Aberdein to Buchan, a mater of nyntein or twenty
miles, wher I had but fyve Catholick houses to go to ; Blaire, ten miles from Aberdein ;
and Shives, fyve or six miles from Blaire ; and Gicht, as farre from Shives; and Artrachy,
nynne or tenne myles from Gicht ; and Cruden, six myles from Artrachy ; and the dis-
tance betwixt theis houses obliged me to stay a night in each of them to say raesse, con-
fesse, communicat, and exhort the Catholicks be way of a short preaching ; and from Buchan
to Strathboggie, wher I used to stay but three or four nights, the first in the village, thej'
cal it the Rause, in Robert Rinne his house, an hostellerye, wher the poor Catholicks con-
vened ; the second in Carneborrow, wher Neulesly and his daughter did come to me, and
sometimes I did go to Neulesly his house ; the third night to Craigge, six miles from Carne-
borrow, and Carneborrow is four myles from Strathboggie ; and last to Aboyne back again,
through the Cuishney hilles, as wyld a part as is in al Scotland, which I have crossed many
times at midnight al alon, when I could not see whether I was in the way or out of it, but
trusted my hors, who never failed nor fanted in the way.

The following incident occurred to him while he was in the ser-
vice of the Lady Aboyne's daughter, whom he terms Madame de
Gordon, now Dame d'attour to Madame, and is strikingly illus-
trative of the rude lawlessness of the times : —

§ 1. WHAT DID BEFAL TO ME AT THE MOORE OF REYNT,^ GOING TO VISIT MADEMOISELLE

GORDON.

You were not suffered to remain in Aboyne eight dayes after the deceasse of your
mother, but was sent to Robert Couts his house. I belive you did find a great cheang-
ment. I did go at that tyme to Donald Farquerson in Braymarre, where I did learn that

' [The MS. is called " A breiffe narration of the services done to three Noble Ladyes
by Gilbert Blakhall, preist of the Scots Mission, in France, in the Low Countries, and in
Scotland." The original MS. is in the valuable collection of Bishop Kyle, who was
kind enough to allow the Editor the use of a correct transcript of it for the Club.]

2 [The Muir of Rhynie.]

THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. XXl

you were transported out of your mothers housse, and wer to be sent to my Ladye Dro-
mond, your cousine germaine, or to her sister, my Ladye Haddington, to be bredde in the
Protestant religion. Wherfor, I knowing that I would not get access unto you, being with
any of these ladyes, who did know me, and, consequently, that I could not perform my
promis made to your mother, unles I could find some moyen to get you out of Scotland in
some Catholick contrie, I resolved to go to France, wher your grandmother had retired
herself from the troubles alreadie begunne, but not yet come to a height in our contrie,
with the intention to work upon her to send for you, and bread you with herself in France.
And, if that did not succeid, (wherof I had smal hopes, knowing her humeur,) to sollicitat
the Queue of France, or Madame, for maintenance for you, in whom I had greater con-
fidence.

My resolution being taken for France rather than for Ingland, wher I knew I would have
been welcome, and wel used, but could not do any good ther for you, I did mak a tour
among my best frinds to tak my leave at them, and to purchase some moneys to mak my
voyage, for my pursse was very light, and to get my hors sould, whose price was the greatest
found that I had for my journay ; for I got but very litle from my frinds, they persuad-
ing themselves that my ladye, your mother, had made me riche at her death, as some indead
did say to me that it could not be other wysse, to find some pretext to themselves not to
offer me anything ; and I did avouche that it was so, and that I neded non from them ; for
it was ever contrair to my nature to meane myself directly or indirectly to any body, what
necessity soever I wer suffering. I would not omit to tak my leave of you, and for that
purpose did go from Strathboggie to Cromar, and passing by the Moore of Reynie, I in-
tended to give my hors a misure of oates ther, becaus ther was no place after that hostellerie
wher I could gette oates to him, and I had eight miles to ride over the Cuishnie hills, as
wyld a piece of ground as is in al Brittaine ; and coming to the gate of the hostellerie, I
did mete a carter dryving out a cartful of horses dung to lay upon the land. I asked him
if I would get there good oates for my hors. I had never bein in that hostellerie befor that
tym, althought I had gone by the gate above an hundreth tymes. The unhappie rascal
answering said. Yes, Sir, and good aile and biere also ; but did not tell me that the house
was ful of men, as drunk as men could be.

I entred in the courte, suspecting nothing, and as I descended from my hors, a gentleman,
called Jhon Gordon, sonne to Leicheston, did embrasse me very kyndly. He was exceiding
drunk. When I did sie that, I was sorry that I had entred in that housse, but there was
no remede. I could not retire then, nether with honor nor sauvetie, for I would have bein
taken for an ennemye in theis troublesome dayes, when every unknown man was suspected ;
therfor I thought it best to go forward with him, who hartly prayed me to enter in the hall
with him. I condescended, but would first put my hors in the stable ; and, through good
fortune for me, the door of the stable was low, so that I was forced to tak of my valise
from behind the sadle, which, being bigge and ful, was heigher than the sadle, and could
not enter the dore. My valise being of, Jhon Gordon called a servande to carie it into the
hall, which I would not suffer, but would carie it in myn owne hand, because ther was in it
a sute of mes cloathes, which being scene, would have discovered me. How soone I had
given my hors stra to eat attending oates, Jhon Gordon would have me go into the hall, which
was ful of souldiers, drunck as beastes, and their captain, William Gordon of Tilliano-us,
was litle better. This Tilliangus had bein page to your father, and at this tyme wherof I
speak, had gotten a patent to list a company for the then holy bot now cursed Covenant,
and Jhon Gordon of Licheston was his lieutenant. They both had bein of that company
of light horsemen who spoiled the lands of Frendret, and had bein ever banished since
that roade, until the troubles were begune, and then every Covenanting man was more legal
than the King himself.

Leicheston and I entred into the hall, my vallise in one hand, and my hate in the other,
to salut the companye, and as I was making my courtsie to them, the captain, in a com-
manding way, said. Who are you. Sir ? which did presently heat my blood, which was not
yet come to a good temperemcnt after the death of your mother, but a matter of three
weekes befor. And as I thought he spoke disdainfully to me, I answered in that same tone,

D

xxii THE EDITOR'S PREFACE.

saying. That is a question, indeed, Sir, to have bein asked at my footeman, if you had seine
him comeing in to you. He said it was a civile demande, and I said it might passe for
such to a vallet, but not to a gentleman. He said it was civile, and I said it was not.
Leicheston seinw us both very hotte, and readie to come to blowes, taking me by the hand,
said, Go with me. Sir, to a chamber, and let this company alone, and we shal be by our-
selves. With al my hart. Sir, said I ; for I did not desire to oliend any man. So we went
together, and, as I thought, we had bein delivered from the importunity of the captain.
He followed us to the chamber, and did sit downe by my syd ; I made him welcome, and
prayed him to drink with us, which he would not do, but said, 1 pray you, Sir, tel me what
you are. And I answered him, saying, Sir, if you would have had but a litle patience,
until I had bein set downe among you, and my hart warmed with a cuppe, as yours hath
bein, and then asked me through kyndnes who I was, I would at the very first word have
tould you ; but you did begin in a disdainful way to question me, as if I had bein some
countrie fellow, and that manor of proceiding did at the very first, heat my blood, and
obliged me to refuse to satisfye your demande. And now I cannot, with my credit, accord
unto you that which immediatly befor I have refused ; for you wil think that you have
forced me to it, and that not complesance but fear hath made me give you satisfaction, and
therfor, I pray you, for my honors sake, differre to another tym the curiosity of knowing
who I am, since I cannot with honor tel you now ; and I am resolved not to doe any thing
prejudiciable to my honor, nather for feare of death nor hope of reward. But at the next
meting, whensoever it arrive, I shal freely tel you, for then I hope our partie wil not be so
unequale as it is now, and therfor wil not then be ascryved to feare or basenes, as it would
be undoubtedly now.

With this answer, he went from us to his companye, and, as we thought, (that is
Leicheston and I,) if not contented at least payed with raison. In this meantyme,
Leacheston did cal for Finden hadocks (or fishes like whitins, but bigger and firmer) ; the
mistres did give four to her servand to roste and bring to us. When they wer rested, the
captain did tak them from her, and eat them with his souldiers. The servande came and
tould us that the captain would not suffer her to roste any for us, nor bring to us theis that
she had rested for us. Wherupon I said to the mistresse, in great anger, Goodwyf, I pray
you give me some hadocks, and I will go into your hall and roste them, or some better thing
for them, for I wil not be so brauved by your captain ; my moneyes are as good as his are,
and therfor I wil haue haddocks for my moneye, or know wherfor not. She said. You shal
have sir ; but you shal not go in among them who are bent to kill you ; I pray God de-
liver my housse from murther ; I would give al I have in the world to have you saiff'e out
of my housse ; I shal go and rost hadocks, and bring them to you myself. Which she did,
and we did eat them, and drink to the health of one another without any trouble, for our
resolution was taken to selle our skines at the dearest rait that we could, if it behouved us
to dye ; for Lichestoun had alreadie sworne to dye or live with me.

The captain came in to us againe, and set himself downe by me, and renewed his first
demande, that I should tel him who I was. I told him that I had no other answer to give
him but that same which I had alreadie given him ; if that could content him, I would be
very much his servant, if not, I was resolved to live or dye with honor. Then Licheston
did speak to him very generouslye, and did show him how impertinent a thing it was to
molest a stranger to know who he were ; and said. Gentlemen may haue some tymes juste
and very necessary raisons to not discover themselves, and especially in such a troublesome
tym as this is, when it is hard to know frindes from foes even among dore nightbours, much
more among strangers who hath never sein one another ; and said, Williame, if ther were
peace and justice in the contrie, neither you nor I durst be so bould as to tel who we were.
Should not you, then, deale with others as you would be dealed with ? As for myn owne
part, I did bring this gentleman into our company in a frindly way, and wil do my best to
tak him out againe saiffe, and wil shaire with him in death or lyfle until he be free out of
our company.

The captain m ent from us againe very angrie to his company, and I know not what sire
they were making, but a servant of Leicheston came to us, al troubled, and told his master.

THE EDITOR'S PKEFACE. xxiii

in Irish, that they wer making themselves readie to male me tel who I was, or kill me with-
out any forder. Leicheston, hearing this, was mightily troubled, and said they are comeing
to use violence against you, but I shal fall or stand with you. Let us defend ourselves.
And saying this, did tak his targe and his sword from his man, and said. Let us mete them.
No, Sir, said I, by my truth we wil not do so, let them come to us ; they are twentie
against two, and may soon oppress us in an open court wher they may environ us. We
must keep ourselves within this chamber, and defending the dore, hould them out from us,
until we get mor help. Your advice is good, said he ; we shal follow it. I had in my
hand a musketon of the wydest sort, charged with nynne balles of pistolets, and two pisto-
lets upon my girdle. With thir three shots, said I, in grace of God, we shal mak them
smart befor they come within this dore, for I know they wil come out al in a crowd to-
gether, which I wil mak thinner with on blow of my musketon.

They delayed to come out, and, in the mean while, I said to Leicheston, Sir, you are the
captains frind, and he yours ; I pray you rather be a mediator to mak peace then a partenar
either with them or me, and go into them in a peaceable manner, without your targe, and
show the captain that it will be a great blot unto his honor to bring twenty men against
two. Let us rather feight a combat, he and I, hande to hande, if he think that I have
wronged him. I am readie to do him reason, my sword in my hand, and lay my gunnes
downe at my feete. This will be more honourable to him, and more generously done then
to come with twentie drunken fellows to murder two gentlemen in their chamber, which
would put such a staine upon him as he could never wash of, although he should heirafter
shed al the blood in his vaines. Leicheston, very glad of this motion, said, I wil go tel
him, and show him that I will be your frind ; let him choice any other whom he wil ;
and he must ather mak peace with you, or accept of this offer, or declare himself a poltron.
One of theis three he must do. I prayed him, lykwayes, to bidde the captain choise both
the armes and the place, so that it were but a quarter of an mile from his sojors and parti-
cular frinds. But for the tym, because I had affairs which requyred my presence, I desired
it might be this same day or the morrow befor noon.

Leicheston did go in among them, without armes, and tould the captain in his eare what
I had said, who, at first, would not belive him; but Leicheston swearing that I had given
him commission to tel him theis things from me, then he mad answer and said. He shal not
be wronged any more ; I am sorry for what is past, but I have greater desire now than ever
to know who he is, because he is so resolute. I did never mete with a man of greater re-
solution, wherfor I shal honour him whersoever I shal sie him ; and tel him, that I nede
not feight combats to show my courage, it is wel aneugh knowen in this contrie wher I live,
and I belive so be his, wher himself is knowen. Leicheston tould me this from him, wherof
I was overjoyed, for I desired nothing so much as to be away with my credit and in peace.
Yet, his curiosity to know who I was, mad him to go to the stable, and his soldiers, in a
crowd, after him, thinking to find my valise upon my hors, and something in it vvherby I
might be discovered ; which had arreived, had the dore of the stable bein heigh aneugh to
let my hors in and the valleise upon him. I, sieing them runne in a crowd to the stable,
said to Leicheston, What do theis men meane runing to the stable ? Do they think that
my hors can tel them who I am ? or do they think to tak away my hors ? I did not come
by him so lightly ; nather wil I part with him so easily. If I sie him coming out, I vow I
shal make some of them lye in the dust. They, finding no vallise, returned unsturred my
hors, and went to ther hal.

The captain shortly after this did come to our chamber, for the last tym, and, sitting
down by me, said. Sir, I am not come to enquyr who you arc, for experience tcacheth me
that you are a resolut gentleman, be who you wil, and therfor I do honor you, and wil be
your' servant so long as I shal live; and if you wil honor me with the society of your
brotherhood, I shal think myself greatumlye obliged to you ; for I will avouch that I
never did know so resolut a gentleman, which the danger you were in doth show, wherof
you wer not ignorant, and therefor your resolution is the better knowen. And now I am
come to crave you pardon for the affront that we have done. Good Sir, said I, be pleased

xxiv THE EDITOR'S PREFACE.

to cheange the name, and cal it wrong, but not affront ; for a man who is resolved to dye
in defending his owne honor may recive wrong indead, but not an affront ; and as to me, I
have never yet received any affront, nor do I think to be so basse as ever to receive any.
I do believe it indead, said he, But, alace ! we were to nere to wrong you. For once
ther was but a haire (as we say) betwixt your lyffe and your death ; and therfor I crave
you tenne thousane tymes pardon, and as many thanks to Almighty God, who, in the
twinckiino- of an eye, cheanged our indignation in comjjassion, and made me say, O what a
pitie were it to kill so brave a man so unworthely ; and saying that, lett the gunne fal out
of my hand, with which I intended to pearce your hart, for the affront which I in my
wreath judged that you did me, in disdaining to satisfye my curiosity to know who you
were ; but now, in your presence, I vow to Almightie God that I shal never heirafter ask
any gentleman who he is. I shal avouche to have learned this much civilitie from you.

I prayed him to cut his discours, that we might drink to the good health of ane another,
which he did ; and when each of us had druncken to one another, he asked if I would be
pleased to suffer his company to come into our chamber to drink with me, and upon my
word of honor, said he, they shal do you no injury. They shal be welcome, said I, with
al my hart. So he did go to them, and brought them in, without armes, and I did tak
each of them by the hand, very kindly, and drank to them, and they to me. They were
in al fyve and twentie, and a minister called Mr. Patrick Galloway, who had bein lately
banished out of Ireland in the insurrection that the Irishes made against the Scots, in the
north of Irland ; wherby you may judge if I would not have bein a good pryse to theis
soldiours of the unholy covenant. They would have bein better rewarded then for taking a
preist nor for a lord, because thes rebelles covered their traison with the cloak of religion.
But my resolution was, al the tym that I was in Scotland to defend myself as long as I
could stand, and in myn owne defence dye rather by the handes of gentlemen then of the
hangman. But my day was not yet come to dye at that occasion, and God changed thair
hatred in love, for we became the greatest frindes that could be, and made promise of
brotherhoode one to another. And when I did go to my hors, the captain and the minister
and al the soldiers embraced me, and the captain would nedes help me to tye my valise
unto my sadle, and hold my stirope ; but I would not suffer him to do the last, althought I
could not get him hindered from the first, and I had much adoe to hinder him from the last.
For when I did put my foote to the stirope, he reached his hand to the other to hold it,
which obliged me to draw my foote bak again from the stirope two divers tymes, and at last
I was forced to accept the service which one of his soldiers offered me, for to be delivered
from the complimentious civilitie, shal I cal it, or rather oflBciositye of the captain ; and,
when I was monted to my hors, I behouved tak every man by the hand again, and drink to
the good health of the captain, the lieutenant, and al their soldiers.

The visitations of churches made by the Presbytery afford abund-
ant evidence that the examinations then made were strict and
searching, both as regarded the clergymen themselves and their
flocks. Many singular illustrations of the ecclesiastical economy
of the time, as well as of the prevailing customs of the people, are
afforded by the Records of these visitations ; the existence of a
curious superstition is admitted by Sir William Gordon of Lesmoir,
at a visitation of the Kirk of Rhynie, in August, 1651, viz., that
part of the Mains of Lesmoir was given away to the Goodman, and
used not to be laboured, " but that he had a mynd, be the assistance

THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. xxv

of God, to cause labour the same." In November, 1046, Seifwright
and Stronach are accused of sorcery, in alloting some land to the
Old Goodman. This is another remnant of Paganism, — the piece
of ground untilled being specially dedicated to the Devil, whom it
was supposed to propitiate, and who is spoken of in very civil terms
as the Goodman, in the same way as the fairies were called our
good neighbours.

Curious illustrations of the state of manners abound in the volume.
The Laird of Avochy was found guilty of bringing home a millstone
from Morayshire on a Sunday, with a great company of horse and
litters.' George Gordon in Rhynie was guilty of " gathering grosers
in time of sermon." For a specimen of the rude and licentious life
of a provincial cavalier, the declaration of Master James Kennedy
may be referred to."^

John Matman^ is one of those ruffians to whom turbulent and
unsettled times give birth. He was "the murtherer of Walter
Boyne," and was also " guiltie of the murther of umquhill George
Wyseman in Drumdelgie, and sicklike he had bound Jeane David-
sone, daughter to Alexander Davidsone, webster, to a post, and had
brydled her, without ony just cans, and to the gryt effusion of her
blood, quho lay bedfast a yier therefter ; and also out of his drunken
humour he frequentlie used to brydle his owne wyffe, and he re-
garded neither admonitioun nor church censure, bot plainlie affirm-
ed that he wold do nothing but that quhilk his maister commanded
him to doe."

During the period over which the present volume extends, eight
ministers were admitted to benefices within the bounds of the
Presbytery of Strathbogie. The record of these proceedings are
valuable, as indicating the principles and forms which were acted
on at the time. The proceedings which took place in filling up

• [Till carts came into use, the bringing home of a millstone was a great event. The
country was raised, and a long axle being put through the centre of the stone, multitudes
of men attached themselves to both ends, and pulled the stone after them.]

2 [Page 181.] 3 [Page 29.]

xxvi THE EDITOR'S PREFACE.

a vacancy at Keith in 1647, and at Botrifney in 1650, are sin-
gular from their complexity. On 7th January of that year. Sir
William Forbes of Craigievar, the patron of Keith, sent a list of
four clergymen, " desyring the opinion and advyse of the Presby-
terie in the said busines. The brethren, takin the mater to their
consideratioun, thought it not expedient to give ane present ad-
vyse of the forsaid men, vithout the knowledge of the parishioneris,
quhom it chieflie concerned ; and therfor ordained the parishioneris
to be acquainted with the forsaid list, and to keep the nixt day
of meeting, that both parish and presbytrie may mak choice of ane
able man for that charge ; and also desyred the Laird of Cragivar
to haue ane present the said day for the effect forsaid."

At the next meeting, the gentlemen and elders of the parish
appeared, and gaue in a supplication subscribed by themselves and
for the rest of the parishioners, to be sent to the Laird of Cragivar,
and to which they desired the sanction of the Presbytery. The
" bretheren, considering the list sent be Cragivar, and the parish-
oneris supplication for Mr. William Forbes, minister at Mortlach,
to be ther minister, did advyse Mr. Robert Watsone, minister at
Grange, [who was on the patron's leet,] to embrace the forsaid
charge, vho absolutlie refused the same, in respect the parishion-
eris had supplicat for ane vther man." On this the Presbytery
resolved to concur with the parishioners in their supplication for
Mr. William Forbes.

On the 9th June, the patron presented Mr. Alexander Garioch,
minister at Cushnie. The elders and parishioners gave in a suppli-
cation for Mr. Joseph Brody (their late minister), and the Presby-
tery referred the matter to the Synod. On 23d June, Mr. Garioch
accepted the presentation in his favour. The Presbytery resolved
to meet next day at Keith, where Mr. Garioch was ordained to
preach before the Presbytery and people, and to go next Sunday
and preach to the people. On 7th July, Mr. Garioch preached,
and was approved as " ane orthodoxe popular preacher." The most
part of the elders for the time present were content to accept of

THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. xxvii

him for their minister, and Mr. Garioch was ordered to bring an
act of transplantation to the next meeting. On 21st July, the act
of transplantation was found informal, and the commissioners for
the parishioners refused any supplication for Mr. Garioch until the
whole heritors of the parish should advise and meet thereanent,
which they were to do the next day.

On 4th August, Mr. Garioch wrote for a final answer from the
Presbytery, but they had expected a supplication from the parish-
ioners thereanent, and as it had not come, they could return no an-
swer. In the meantime, the parishioners of Keith were ordained
to testify their willingness to have Mr. Garioch to be their minis-
ter, in supplicating for him next day, otherways the Presbytery
would take the matter as altogether deserted by them, and inti-
mate to the patron accordingly. On 27th October, Sir William
Forbes appeared and informed the Presbytery that Mr. Garioch
had returned his presentation, and that he would, on next day, pre-
sent Mr. William Kininmont, " ane qualified man, recommendit to
him be the Commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie."

On 10th November, the patron excuses his not presenting, " in
respect the said Mr. William vas not come north as yet." On 5th
January, 1648, the Presbytery requested Sir William to present " ane
qualified man against the next day, vthervays the Presbyterie wold
proceid to the plantation of the said Kirk on 2d February. The
said day vas presented ane letter from the Leiutenant-Generall,
showing that Mr. William Kininmont had resaued ane presenta-
tioun to the Kirk of Keyth, and desyring the Presbyterie to vreit
for the said Mr. William, that vpon their call, vith his presentatioun,
he might be the better encouraged to embrace the said charge,"
which they agreed to do.

On 26th April, the patron stated that he had given a blank pre-
sentation to David Leslie, Lieutenant-General, which he heard was
filled up with Mr. Kininmont's name, and that he had expected
him. The Presbytery resolved, with consent of Sir William Forbes,
to request him to embrace the charge ; with certification, that if he

xxviii THE EDITOR'S PREFACE.

sent no answer before the 17th of May, they would proceed to the
plantation of the kirk. No answer was received on that day,
whereupon they resolved to fill up the charge at once ; and " divers
beinty listed for that effect, patron and parishoneris all in one voyce
condescendit upon Mr. Johne Seatone, minister of Kemnay, to be
ther minister, quhervnto the Presbytrie gaue full assent and consent,
knowing the man to be ane able qualified man." Mr. Seatone
agreed to preach, that he might be known and heard by the pa-
rishioners. Before, however, he could preach, the Lieutenant-
General requested the Presbytery yet to present Mr. Kininmont ;
but they found they could do nothing till Mr. Seatone returned
from the Assembly. Mr. Seatone preached at Keith, and gave
much satisfaction ; and it was resolved to proceed with his settle-
ment.

On 25th October, a presentation is produced in favour of Mr.
John Young, minister at Keig, " quhilk the bretheren could not
accept, in respect the said Mr. Johne vas not present, nor the
parochiners of Keyth, to giue ther consent ; but chieflie becaus
they alledgit the richt of patronage pro tempore vas fallen in ther
handis jure devoluto, seing no presentatioune nor man presented
came to the Presbytrie this yeir and half bygone, since Mr. Alex-
ander Garioch did freelie giue bak his presentatioun ;" and as Mr.
Seatone had refused a call, they resolved to proceed in the planta-
tion, and ordained the parishioners of Keith to attend next meeting.
They, however, did not do so ; and as the Presbytery were loath to
proceed without their consent, they were again ordained to attend
the next day. The Tutor of Craigievar sent a list of three men,
that the parishioners might make their choice. The Presbytery
resolved to waive their devolved right ; and the parishioners made
choice of one of the three, viz. Mr. James Hervie at Upper Machar,
(now New Machar.) On 28th March, 1()49, Mr. Hervie produced
a presentation given to him by Robert Forbes, Tutor of Craigievar,
patron of the said kirk, " vpon the nominatioune and call formerlie
made of the said Mr. James to the ministrie of the said charge at

THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. xxix

Keyth, be the moderator and remanent bretheren of the Presbytery
of Strathbogie and parochiners of Keyth." The Presbytery thought
that the right belonged to themselves, but referred the matter to
the Synod. On 13th June, the Presbytery, on the ground that
there was no chance of getting transplantation to Mr. Hervey, and
that most part of the elders passed from the call made to him,
" resolved to proceid to the nominatioun of some other qualified
man. The gentlemen and elders, all in one voyce, fixed on Mr.
William Kininmonth ; " w^ho was at last settled at Keith on 6th
September, 1649.

In the year 1650, Mr. Alexander Fraser, minister at Botrifney,
was deprived of the office of the ministry. In September, 1650,
one of the parishioners entreated a preaching in that " desolate
congregatioune, that they might have the occasione of a sessioune
in like maner, for taking order with the great enormities that
were beginning to increase amongst them, throughe the want of
restraint and correction."

The parishioners supplicated for Mr. William Chalmers, minister
at Knockandoh, who declined to embrace the charge. They then
gave in a new supplication for Mr. James Petrie, schoolmaster of
Banff, to be their minister ; but the Presbytery, thinking their pro-
cedure abrupt (" seeing the young man had never preached before
the people of that pariochin nor yet the brethren of the presbyterie),
and inconsistent with the Acts of the Generall Assemblie, gave back
the supplicatione, and resolved to call the young man to preach
before the Presbyterie, and thereafter to send a minister to Botriff-
ney to mak a formal nominatioune ther."

On 4th August, Mr. George Chalmer " was appoynted to goe to
Botriffney and preach, and after sermon to desyr the pariochiners
to nomin^t and elect a man for the ministrie of that place." No-
thing was done at that time, because the most considerable men of
the parishioners and elders were absent. The moderator again
preached, and " after sermon did hold ane session, and having re-
quyred the elders to nominate and elect ane minister, they did un-

E

XXX THE EDITOR'S PREFACE.

animously elect and choose Mr. James Petrie, schoolmaster of
Banff, to be their minister." The Presbytery approved of the nomi-
nation, but finding no testimony of the consent of the body of the
people to the election of the session, they ordained one of their
number to intimate, on Sunday next, the election to the whole pa-
rishioners, and " requyred them to testifie their mynd thereanent
by their commissioners to the Presbytery next day." On that day,
some gentlemen of the parish and many of the body of the people
testified their dissent from the nomination of Mr. Petrie, alleging
his voice to be low and his gift not edifying. The Presbytery, find-
ing the parishioners to be difiering among themselves, resolved to
hold a meeting at Botrifney for settling the matter, and examination
of the reasons of the dissenting party ; one of the dissenters stated
that he would give in his reasons by next meeting. The Presby-
tery found nothing in these to hinder their proceeding immediately
to Mr. Petrie's trials, but resolved to delay till next meeting, and
charged all that had any scruple or reason against the said Mr.
James, " to compeir the nixt day, and give in their reasons, with
certification, that if they did not attend, the Presbytery would pro-
ceed with Mr. Petrie's trials." On that day, the parishioners who
promised to give in their reasons of dissent failed to do so, and the
Presbytery resolved to proceed with Mr. Petrie's trials ; " yet, upon
some new consideratiouns, and expecting a still more unanimous
call," they delayed the matter till next meeting. On that day, he
was desired to enter on his trials, to which he stated that he was
not clear to give an answer for the time, but promised to give his
answer against the next day. On 27th July, " compeired Walter
Leslie, in name of the paroche of Botrifnie, and presented a suppli-
cation from them to the Presbyterie, desireing that they wold be
pleased not to proceed in the plantation of ther church by Mr.
James Petrie, and expressing their dissatisfaction with him, desyre-
ing also the hearing of Mr. William Burnet, whom they had some
tymes heard befor to ther contentment. The Presbyterie resolved
to meet at Botrifnie to try the supplication. In the meantyme.

THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. xxxi

Mr. William Burnet may go preach ther on the paroches call." At
the meeting of Presbytery held at Botrifney, " compeired the gen-
tlemen, elders, and rest of the parochiners who adhered to their dis-
sent to Mr. Petrie, and those who had signed a supplication for Mr.
Petrie being few, were resolved not to divide from the elders and
people." The Presbytery asked of Mr. Petrie what he thought of
the matter, who answered, that he desired to proceed with his trials,
" and then he sould giue a satisfactorie answeir, that sould content
both Presbytrie and people, and he sould be loth to offend God, or
wrong his own conscience, in prosecuting a call against the people's
will." The Presbytery, however, resolved to stop the trials of the
young man pro tempore, and gave power to Mr. Burnet to preach
at Botrifney at the people's desire.

The parish again supplicated for Mr. Burnet; and Mr. Petrie,
" forasmuch as his call to Botrifnie was made ineffectuall," having
passed from his trials, Mr. Burnet was settled as minister of Bo-
trifney on 30th August, 1654.

Besides these, there were settlements at Dunbennand and Kin-
noir (twice), at Glass, Abercherdour, Gartly, and Grange, and in
each there is much interesting detail, and a considerable variety of
procedure.

The Editor takes this opportunity of acknowledging his obliga-
tions to the Rev. William Cowie of Cairney, for his kindness in
procuring the use of the Record for the Club, as well as for the
obliging alacrity which he displayed in making his extensive stores
of legendary lore subservient to the Editor's enquiries for informa-
tion on various points noticed in the Extracts.

JOHN STUART.

Crown Street, August 22, 1843.

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.
M.DC.XXXI.— M.DC.LIV.

At Botarie, 16 February, 1631.

[Comj^ >j'it] Elspet Wilsoune, parochioner of Graing, desyring the be-
[nefit] of mariage, in respect thatt hir husband was lang since [depai]rtit
out of the cuntray aught yeires since, and was also de[pairtit] of this pre-
sent lyfe, as Johne Brabner in Deskfuird de[clares] befoir the brethrein,
wpone his gryt othe sworne, thatt he [was] att his buriall in an toune in
Germanic called Suadyes; [which] also Thomas Michell in Turreff had
declairit als [truth], vpone his conscience, befoir the persone of Turreff, as
[the] persounes testimoniall theron did testifie. The brethrein ordained
Mr. Robert Watsoune to proclaime hir bandis, and to pro[ceed] with the
mariage.

At Botarie, Maii 4, 1631.

Convened the moderator and brethrein. Mr. [Richard Mait]land taught
Johne 10, v. 9, and being removed, wes [thought in] the judgment of the
brethrein to have erred in a[ffirming] that Christ, as he wes God only wes
the doore, and as [man] only the pastor of the church. And it being re-
plyed by the brethrein, that actiones Christi wer theandrica^ his [answer
was,] that he haid Jansenius for his warrand, and gave [ ] other

satisfactione.

2. He was found not to have declared ane [ ] in raising vses
and deulie applying thame, as it [happe]ned quhen the text wes assigned.

3. He proposed things for truths quhilk ar questiones sine rationihus, but
alledged summe authors. [ ] Doctor Feild, quhilk quhen the buik
wes produced, [ ] quotted by him, he culd not find the place.

4. Being posed be the moderator with sum questions, [ ] served to
cleer the text, and his knowledge therin, [ ] to the rules of divine
rhetorick [ ] Ego sum ostium [ j

2 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1631

haide bein ane hearare and [ ] wreattin, and quhat theologes

he hade befor acquainted himselfF withall, quhither Calvinus, [ ]

Parens, etc. that so the brethrein might haue meekle proceedit in his ques-
tionari tryall ; [ ] thes or any of thes quherin he professed himself

to be versed, quhither notes taickin at the mouthes of the doctours or di-
vines redde, he answerit that thes four yeares bygane he had not bein ane
hearar of the curse of theologie ; and as for the four yeers preceiding thos,
he alledged that he hade harde in all that tyme the Commandments only
explicated from the secund to the end. And as for notes, he alledged that
he had nane of his awne wreatting at any tyme. And as to the devines
fornamed, his answer was, that he haide adstrictit himselff to naine of thame,
but vsed thame as occasione offered.

Mr. Alexander Fraser ordained to exerceis the next day ; and Mr.
Richard Metland to adde vpon the text of the exerceis, Rom. 9, v. 21.

Compeired William Gordoun in Bray, and George Gordoun in Gul-
burne, parochinars of Ryney, and being accused for not communicating the
last yeer bygane, ther answer wes, that Mr. Henrie Ross, ther minister, his
onkyndlie vsage of thame, haid scarred thame that they culd nocht com-
raunicat with him, but wer content to communicat with any other minister
within the presbiteri housoone it pleased the brethrein to injoyne thame ;
nather wold they be altogither refractorie to communicat nou with ther
awne pastore. The brethrein ordained Mr. Henrie Ross to celebrat the
communione to thame, and thai to communicat in tuentie days, othervays to
be processit for recusants.

Robert Rinne, elder, being summondit to haue harde a processe of ex-
communicatioune ledde to the sentence revised, and to exceptit against
it giwe he haid any just reasone, compeired not. The brethrein approved
the processe ; and ordained Mr. Johne Annand to send the same to the
Bischope, that he might giwe his Lordships approbatioune thervnto, that
the sentence might be pronunced.

Walter Thomsone, parochinar in Kinnoir, being summondit to haue
ansuered for drunkinnes, and opprobrious speitches giwin to Mr. Johne An-
nand, compeired not ; ordained to be summondit pro 2°-

[Thom]as Gordoun, sonne to Heu Gordoun in Smythstone, and [ ]

Gordoun, daughter to the said Heu, being summondit for not communicat-
ing, and not resorting to the kirk, [ ] compeired not ; ordained
to be summondit.

1631.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 3

Robert Rinne, younger in Rauess ; Thomas Gordoun, Jean Gordoun,
childrein to Heu Gordoun, in Sraythstoune ; David Launge, servant to
Malcolme Launge ; Elspet and Lucretia Forbes, daughters to Arthur
Forbes in Inscorsse ; Margaret Gordoun, spous to John Fordyce in Rothi-
may, being sumondit pro 2°- for not communicating, and not hearing of the
word, compeired nocht. Ordained to be summondit /jro 3°'

At Botari, May 25, 1631.

Mr. William Massie handlit the controversie de lymbo. His travells al-
lowed.

Mr. William Gairne desyred to enter vpon the exerceis, the brethrein
ordained the said Mr. William, conforme to the ordinance of the Sinode, to
epitomize the histori of the discurse of the Bibile to thame the nixt day.

The brethreins contributione to the distressed clergie of the Palatinate :
Mr. Alexander Innes, ten lib. ; Mr. Walter Hay, tenne lib. ; Mr. William
Mylne, nyne lib. ; Mr. Johne Annand, Mr. William Red, Mr. Robert
Jimesone, Mr. Alexander Fraser, eweri ane of thame ane dolour for thame-
selffs, becaus thai culd gate no contributione of thair parochinars.

At Botari, Junij 8, 1631.
The said day, Mr. Joseph Brody produced ane presentatioun from the
Laird of Cragivare to the kirk of Keyth, with ane letter from the Bischope
of Murray, desyring ane edict to be served at the forsaid kirk with all con-
venient diligence, that the said Mr. Joseph might be admitted thervnto,
being now vacand be the dimissione of Mr. Johne Guthry, last minister
ther. The brethrein ordained thair next meeting to be at Keyth, Junij 23,
and the edict to be served this next Soonday to the forsaid day, and lykvys
appointed Mr. Joseph to teach, Rom. 12, v. 1.

At Keyth, Junij 23, 1631.

Conveined moderator and brethrein, Mr. Robert Irving absent ; and lyk-
vys conveined with thame from Murray, Mr. Gawin Dumbar, Mr. James
Guthry, Mr. Patrick Tulloch, Mr. Johne Peter, Mr. Alexander Spens.

Mr. Joseph Brody taught, Rom. 12, v. 1. His travells allowed. The
edict served to this day wes produced, executed Junij 12, be Mr. George
Speed, scholmaister at Keyth. The elders quho wer present, viz. Alexan-
der Gordoun of Auchanachie, Patrick Gibsone in Kilminnatie, William

4 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1631.

Chalraar in AUanbuy, Alexander Phinnie in Couperhill, William Baillie in
Carmar, Walter Barcklay in Keyth, Robert Calder in Achanahe, Alexan-
der Steuart in Ardmeile, with the body of the people being convened, being
demandit particularlie if thai haid any thing to objeck agains the said Mr.
Joseph, ether in doctrin, lyffe, or conversatioune, thai all in ane voyce
affirmed that thai hade no thing to say, but wer most villing to accept of
him for thair pastore ; quhervpon the brethrein presentlie ordained the
moderator to giwe presentlie to the said Mr. Joseph (quho wes alrady ane
minister, as his letters patent from his [ ] buir,) institutione and

actuall possessione to the said benefice, quhilk he did be delyvering of the
buik of God in his hand. The brethrein, with the elders present, gave
him thair hands of fellowschipe.

At Gartlay, 13 Julii, 1631.

Conveined moderator and brethrein. Mr. Alexander Innes taught
Luce 22, V. 49.

Mr. William Read, minister, being removed, reportit weill of him, but
regratit that he taxed the faults of the parochinars bitterli, and not in the
language of the scripture, quherby the peple, insteade of being edified,
wer moved to laughter and derisione ; and that he spendit over schort tyme
in catechising his peple befor the communione, viz. four days in the
Pasche week. The brethrein exhorted him to amend his defects, and to
begine his examiufitiounes at least seven weeks befor the tyme of the
communione.

At Dumbennand, August 25, 1631.
In respect of the many abuses and disorders that falls out at penny
brydals, speciali of plays and drunkennes, it is ordained that no persone
heirefter sail be maryed wnles thai consigne pands that thai be no abuse at
theair brydall, vnder paine of tenne pund.

At Inuerkethney, October 5, 1631,

Conveined moderator and brethrein. Mr. Henri Ross taught, Heb. 13,
V. 17.

Mr. Robert Irving, minister, removed, wes weill reportit of in doctrin
and lyfte. Is ordained to caus the churchyaird dyk to be buildit. Or-
daned also to provyd for a reader.

1631.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. ^

Thomas Murray, parochinar of Grange, and Issobell Trayl, sum-
mondit for recept and consulting with witches ; receawing charms from
thame | for banning, swearing, and execrabill cursing of the minister of
Grange, and his famile, and not satisfeing of the discipline of the kirk
for thift, committit be the said Thomas ; quhilk last wes his only challange.
Thai both compeired, and the said Thomas denyed that in any ways he
wes as yit declaired ane theeff be any civill judge in the kingdome ; and
therfor he culd not vndertack that guilt vpon him be macking repentance
for that quherof he wes innocent. And the saids Mr. Robert, his proba-
tiounes being considered be the brethrein, thai wer thoght not altogither
[to] be of sick strenth as might convince the said Thomas of thefte, vnto
the tyme the civill judge tuick further entres in that mater. And as for
Issobell Trail, his spous, shee confeesed that Preip, the witch, that wes
brunt at Banff, had charmed hir ; for the quhilk shee wes censured
alrady be the presbiteri, and hade begune her repentance alrady, and was
content to satisfie to the full. And anent Issobell Traylle, her consulting
with Walker, the witch, shoe confessed the said witch bad hir tack ane
moldewort hillock and muild out of the church yard, and putt it vnder hir
gait twys, and that wold mack hir aill to sell. But shoe denyed shoe re-
quyred it at the said witch, or that shoe practised it. And anent hir
adulteri with Petri Robertsone, wagabound, shoe purged hir selff be hir
othe. And anent the cursing of the minister and his famile, she denyed
the same ; but the mater being referred to the testificatioune of Johne and
William Tailyeours, Johne Winlach, and Johne Watt, be the parteis
being all sworne, Johne and William Tailyeour, and Johne Winlach,
deponit that Issobell Trail sat [down on] hir kneys, and gawe Mr. Robert
Watsone, and his wyff and bairns, [ ] malediction, and all them

that called hir a witch [ ]

Compeired George Thomsone and Elspet Gray ; and being accused for
drinking in Issobell Letch house with the said Elspet Gray, in tym of
divin service, and also of adulteri with the said Elspett ; lykas, the said
George went out at the back syde of the hous, at his own wyffes coming to
the doore ; thay both confessed thair drinking in tym of divin service,
and the said George his outgoing at the back of the house, but denyit the
commiting of adulteri with the said Elspett. The brethrein ordained
thaira both, for thair drinking in tym of divin service, and for thair suspect
behaviour, to pay, ilke ane of thame, four merkis of penalte, and to sitte

6 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1633.

on the stoole of repentance tuo Soondays, or then to redeem thameselfs be
standing in joggis and brankis.

The said Issobell Leitch lykvays, in quhois hous the persones abowe
nominat wes resett, wes declarit to be a perjured woman, and a wyld scald,
quho resett all sort of infamous persones in her hous, and sold ayle to
thame both night and day. The brethrein ordaines hir to find caution to
keep guid ordour in tymes comming, or then not to be resi[dent] in the
paroche heirefter from Whitsunday furth.

Johne Sharpe and Agnes Morison quadrilapse in fornicatione compeired
not. Ordained to be summondit pro 2°-

Catharin Thomsone in Keyth being summondit to answer for hir calum-
niating the sessione, compeired nocht. Ordained to be summondit pro 3"-

At Botari, Martii 28, 1633.

Compeirit Jonet Ogilvie, guidvyff of Littilmyln, acknauleging hir former
errors in wandring from the truth, desyring most earnestlie to be relaxed
from the fearfuU sentence of excommunication, and promeising, in all tym
comming, for to keep guid ordour, and to be ane ordinar hearar, and com-
municat this nixt Pasche ; and to this effect wes content to subscrive ane
band to the effect forsaid, quhilk being produced to the moderator, and
redde out to hir, she subscry ved the samyn be Walter Vocat, notar publicte,
in presence of the brethrein ; quherfor the presbiteri ordained Mr. Robert
Jameson to receawe hir to hir publict repentance, and to absolve hir on
Soonday come eight days.

Jonet Abercrombi, spous to James Gordoun at the myln of Botari, and
Agnes Jerret, spous to Adam Panton in Aucharn, being summond for not
hearing of the word, not communicating thir diverse yeers bygain, for re-
sorting to masses, and going in pilgrimage, setting on of bonfyres, and for
other superstitious rites and ceremoneis, contrari to the law of God and
statutes of this kingdome, as is mor at lenth contained in the principall
summonds, execute be James Slorach, kirk officiar, Martii 22, they com-
peirit not. Ordainit to be summondit pro 2"-

At Botari, April 12, 1633.
Johne Smyth, in Ower Kirk, sonne to Androu Smyth ther, being
summond to hawe answearit for his prophanacioune of the Sabbath day,
be stricking of Agnes Hall, in tym of divin service, to the great effusion

1636.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 7

of hir blood, compeirit nocht, nayther his accompleis, John M'Armick,
quho wes lykvays suramond pro 3'-, both wer decernit to pay, ilk ane for
thair own part, ten merks, and to stand two Soondays in sackcloath and
the stoole of repentance.

At Botarie, April 26, 1633.
Convened the moderator and brethrein. Mr. Richard Metlan exer-
ceised, Rom. 10, v. 14. Wes censured that he said God, the Father, wes
the author of sendinge out the ministere under the Old Testament, and
God, the Sonne, author of sending furth the ministere under the New
Testament, and that the lawfulnes of a calling dependit upon the effect
of the ministerie.

At Botari, [ ] July, 1636.

It is ordained that stockes shall be made for the punishment of stubborne
and vnruly delinquents.

The gentilmen and eldars of the parish of Botarie condescended to give
for the maintenance of the schoolemaister ane firlot victuall every pleugh.

It is ordained that the schoolemaister shall have of every schollar quar-
terly 20s.

At Grange, August 25, 1636.
George Adamsone, appearand of Braco, summonded to this [daye] to
heare himself sentenced for sklandalizing Mr. Robert Watsone, vt supra
compeared ; he is ordained, apud acta, to keepe Marnoch kirk this daye
fyftein dayes to receive the sentence of the brethren.

At Innerkeithny, September 14, 1636.

Tuo silver cups, dedicat be James Crichtoun of Frendrauch, for the holy
communion, are in the ministers keeping, and he must be answerable for
them.

The minister is ordained to discipline Thomas Brabner, who is suspected
to have slaine his owne sone, and to give the brethren ane account of his
diligence against the next meeting.

Margaret Fraser suspect of witchcraft, and having broken waird in Aber-
dene, is ordained to bring ane testimoniall of her bygone conversation, or
otherwyse the receipters of the said Margaret to be punished.

8 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1636.

Peter Wat sumonded to this daye for goeing in pilgrimage to the chap-
pell beyond the water of Spey, compeared and confessed his fault. Or-
dained to make his repentance, and to paye four markes penaltye.

Agnes Jack sumonded to this daye for goeing in pilgrimage to the same
chappell, compeared, and confessed that she went to the said chappell with
ane diseased woman, but gave her great oath that she vsed no kynd of su-
perstitious worship. She is ordained to mak her publike repentance, and to
abstaine from the iyke in tyme coraeing.

At Abercherdour, September 15, 1636.

Tuo silver cups, dedicated for the holy communion by James Crichton of
Frendraucht, wer presented befor the presbyterye.^

The minister being removed, the eldars gave him a good testimonye,
both in respect of doctrine and conversation.

The minister being demaunded what order the Ladye Frendraucht did
keepe, he answered that she was become ane ordinarie hearer.

Robert Emlach, schoolemaister, ordained to bring his testimonial against
the next day.

Johne Stewart sumonded to this daye for adulterye with Barbara Lowrie,
compeared in sackcloth, acknowledging his fault. He is ordained to sit in
sacfecloth till the people be satisfied, and to pay twenty markes penaltye.

The said Johne Stewart being accused for intending the rape of Mar-
jorie Innes, he is ordained, aj)ud acta, to keepe the tuenty-nynt of Septem-
ber, at Dumbennand, to answer thereanent.

Barbara Lowrie compeared also in sackcloth, and confessed her adulterye
with John Stewart. She was ordained to stand in the jogges and brankes
till the congregation be satisfied, becaus she had no geare.

George Adamsone, appearand of Braco, sumonded ( apud acta at Grange)

1 [On these cup? are the following inscriptions :

" GIFTIT TO G01> AND TO HIS CHURCH BE JAMES OREIGHTOUN OF FRENDKAVCHT

TO THE KIRK OF ABERCHIRDOR. 1633.

" GIVEN TO GOD AND HIS KIRK BE JAMES CREIGHTON OF FRBNDKAC'iT

TO THE KIRK OF ABERCHIKDOR.

" I vil tak the cvp of salvation and cat vpon the name of the Lord. 1636."
The cups given to the kirk of Inverkeithny bear a similar inscription ; as also two cha.
lices, at Forgue, which the Laird of Frcndraught and his son James, first viscount of the
name, presented to that church.]

1636.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 9

to keepe this daye for hearing the sentence of the brethren passe against
him for the scandahzing of his minister, Mr. Robert Watsone ; he com-
peared not, but sent in his appellation, appealing to the Lords of his Ma-
jestyes Commission for just censure. The brethren finding his appellation
to be altogether informall, in respect he refused to give personall presence,
according to his promise made at Grange, as also in respect his appellation
was given in or sent post litis contestationem, the brethren ordaine the said
George Adamesone to come, the next Sabbath, out of his desk, befor the
pulpit, and to acknowledge his fault, and to aske God and the minister for-
givenes.

At Gartly, September 28, 1636.

Conveened the brethren. Absent, the moderatour, Mr. Robert Irving,
Mr. Richard Maitland. Mr. Robert Watsone taught, Luk 19, v. 47.

Mr. Joseph Brodye moderated for the tyme.

The minister, Mr. Williarae Read, being removed, the eldars gave him
a good testimonye both for doctrine and lyfe.

Williame Wat, church officier, is found faithfull.

Robert Emlach, schoolmaister at Abercherdour, compeared, and pro-
duced tuo testimonials, one from Mr. Johne Logye, moderator of the pres-
bytery of Cullen, another from Mr. Williame Chalmer, minister at Inner-
boyndye. The brethrein embraced him, and allowed him to read in the
church, and to teache the children English ; but if the said Robert shall vn-
dertake to teache grammar, he is ordained to give ane tryall of his literature.

George Gordoune, in Rynie, being cited befor the session of Rynie for
prophaneing the Sabbath, by gathering grosers in tyme of sermon, to
make sale of them, appealed to the presbyterie, and compeared, and con-
fessed that he was not at the sermon by reason of sicknes. He confessed
also that he went with his children, after noone, into his yard and gathered
grosers, but not in great for sale. Mr. Henry Rosse took him to prove,
against the next meeting of the presbyterie after the synode, that he
gathered these grosers, with his servants and children, in tyme of divyne
service, and that in great, to make sale of them.

The said George Gordoune, in Rynie, is suspended from his office of
eldarship, and that by his owne consent, becaus he professed avowedly that
he would not take the holy sacrament out of his ministers hands, as also
becaus he was vnder the censure of the presbyterie.

B

10 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1636.

At Dumbemiand, September 29, 1636.

It is ordained that a basin and cups for the holy communion shall be
provyded.

It is ordained that the earth shall not be opened in the church till the
buriall silver be payed.

It is ordained that drinkers in tyme of divyne service shall be punished
as fornicatours.

The gentlemen and eldars present condescend that, for the maintainance
of ane schoolemaister, every pleuch within the parish of Dumbennand shall
paye ane firlot victuall, according to the Act of Parliament.

Bessie Gordoune, spouse to the guidman of Crackwillie ; Agnes Gor-
doune in Raweis ; Robert Rind, younger ; Bessie Patersone, his spouse,
sumonded to this daye for not resorting to the church and communicating,
goeing to masse, receipting of preists and Jesuites, etc., compeared not.
Ordained to be sumonded pro 2°-

Johne Stewart, sumonded, apiid acta at Abercherdour, to have answered
anent his intention to force Merjorie Innes, compeared not. Ordained to
be sumonded pro 2°-

The brethrein present regrete much the absences of the brethren from
the meetings since the last Synod, especially the absences of Mr. Richard
Maitland. They ar remitted to the censure of the Bishop and Synod.

The brethren regrate that as yet Mr. Richard hes not sumonded Patrik
Guthry befor the presbytery, for baptizeing his chylde by ane layman. The
said Mr. Richard his neglect is remitted to the censure of the Bishop and
Synod.

At Botary, October 19, 1636.

Conveened the moderator and some of the brethren, namely, Mr. Alex-
ander Inncs, Mr. Richard Maitland, Mr. Robert Watsone, Mr. Williame
Read. No exercise, in respect of the absence of the exerciser, Mr. Johne
Annand. Mr. Richard Maitland reported (conforme to the ordinance of
the Synod) that he had gone to the Ladye of Frendraucht, and conferred
with her, and that since that tyme she had resorted to the church, and had
promised so to continue.

Thomas Garden, parishoner of Abercherdour, sumonded to this day for
dissobedience to the ordinance of the session (for the said Thomas being
convict befor the session of fornication with Susanna Guidfellow, in re-

1637.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 11

spect that he contemptuously refused to purge himself by his oath, till his
delater were manifested, and ordained by the session to mak his repentance,
and to paye four markes penaltye, ad pios vsus ecclesiae), compeared, and
yet refused to give obedience, or to purge himself by his oathe, and after a
proud and menacing maner avowed that befor he gave satisfaction for that
fault (vnles the delater wer revealed to him), he should first forsake the
kingdome of Scotland ; as also, the said Thomas raalapertlye alleadged that
the minister himself, out of malice and envye, had delated him. Whervpon
he departed abruptlye. The brethren present approved the act of the
session, and ordained the said Thomas to satisfie, vnder paine of contu-
macye ; and, in cace he remaine obstinat, the minister is ordained to pro-
ceede against him with the censures of the kirk, and to excommunicat him.

At Botary, November 9, 1636.
Williame Mitchell, in the parish of Keath, sumonded to this daye for
adulterye with Ketye Mackarmich, spous to Marcus Cowye, compeared in
sackcloth, and confessed his fault. He was ordained (in respect he was
maried also) to stand in the jogges and brankes, with his head clipped, and
barefooted, in sackcloth, till the congregation be satisfied, or otherwyse to
redeeme himself from the jogges and brankes by paying forty markes
penaltye, and to stand only in sackcloth.

At Botary, January 11, 1637.
James Fraser, James Burnet, being sumonded to this daye to beare wit-
nesse that George Gordoune, Rynie, did cause gather grozers for sale in
tyme of sermon, vt supra, at Gartly, September 28, 1636, compeared, and
being admitted by the said George, wer sworne, and deponed thus : James
Burnet deponed that he nevir sawe George Gordoune gather any on the
Sabbath for sale, and that he (being the said George servant) did never
gather any, vnles it wer some few to fill his mouth. James Fraser deponed
as James Burnet.

At Botary, January 25, 1637.
Mr. Robert Irving excused his former many absences by the greatnes of
the water, which was vnpassable, and his long distance from the presbytery
seat. He being removed, the brethren pityed him in respect of his age
and infirmity, and admitted his excuse.

12 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1637.

George Gordoune, in Rynie, sumonded to this daye for receipt of preists
and Jesuites, and not communicating, compeared, and purged himself by
his oath of the receipt of preists and Jesuites. The said George confessed
that he had not communicated with Mr. Henry Rosse at Rynie, and aflfirmed
that he had communicated with the minister at Culsalmond. And being
demaunded why he communicated not with his owne minister, Mr. Henry
Rosse, his answere was that he would not communicat with him, nor keepe
his doctrine, becaus he was of a scandalous behaviour towards him. And
the said George being demaunded how and wherin Mr. Henrye had mis-
behaved himself towards him, his answere was, that, befor tuo eldars, Mr.
Henry had given him three lyes, and that he denyed to salute him when he
met him in the waye ; as also, that Mr. Henrye should hold out his finger to
him and saye, Goosehead, sir. Mr. Henry denyed these alleagances. George
Gordoune, in Rynie, tooke it to his probation against this day month.

Patrick Guthrie, in Abercherdour, for baptizeing his chylde by Thomas
Glen, is ordained to stand (with the said Thomas) tuo Sabbaths at the pil-
lar foot in sackcloth.

At Botary, February 8, 1637.
Johne Wilsone, in' Abercherdour, sumonded to this daye for the slaugh-
ter of Johne Seaton, son to vmquhill Williame Seaton in Tullifafe, com-
peared, and denyed the same ; yet, nevertheles, he confessed that he had
left the countrey for the same cause, and had offerred of composition tuenty
pounds, wherof ane dolar only was payed. He could nocht deny but that
he was present when the said Johne Seaton was slaine, but was a ridder
only between him and Johne Milne. He confessed, morouer, that he tooke
the sword from Johne Seaton, and received tuo wounds in his bodye in the
taking of it. The brethren ordained him to agree with the freinds of Johne
Seaton, and to bring a letter of Slaines betuixt this and Pasche ; the minis-
ter also is ordained to debarre him from the communion, vnles he obey the
said ordinance of the brethren.

Mr, Robert Watsone regrated that Andrew Mackpharsone was very
scandalous in his behaviour, in that, duelling in the countreye and at the
churchc style, he never came to the churche, nor any of his familye. The
said Mr. Robert was ordained to deale privatlye with the said Andrew, and
if he find no guid fruit by his travells, that he shall sumond the said An-
drew and his familye befor the presbyterie.

1637.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 13

At Botary, February 22, 1637.

The said daye, Mr. Patrik Andersone of Miltoun, Alexander Gordoune
in Merdrum, James Gordoune of Tilliangus, Patrik Gordoune, sone to
Hew Gordoune in Smythstoune, compeared for probation of George Gor-
doun in Rynie his alleadgances against Mr. Henrye Rosse, vt supra January
25. They wer all admitted by the said Mr. Henrye, and, being sworne,
deponed thus: Mr. Patrik Andersone deponed, 1. That he never sawe
Mr. Henry passe by George Gordoune without ane salutation. 2. He de-
poned that he never heard Mr. Henrye give George Gordoune the lye, but
that, in Laurence Mercers house, Mr. Henry perceiving George Gordoune
to ouervalue ane peice land, and to laye ane greater rentall vpon it then
Mr. Henrye thought it did paye, Mr. Henrye said to George Gordoune,
that he wondered that he should mantaine such ane vntruth. 3. Mr. Patrik
Andersone deponed that Mr. Henrye and George Gordoune falling into
ane disputation concerning ane tak and assedation, Mr. Henrye said to
George Gordoune either Buckhead or Goosehead, but which of the tuo he
said he could not tell. Alexander Gordoune in Merdrum, deponed that he
never heard Mr. Henrye give George Gordoune ane lye, nor at any tyme
passe by him without ane salutation, nor vtter such ane word as Goosehead
or Buckhead, to his remembrance. James Gordoune of Tilliangus deponed
that he heard Mr Henrye saye to George Gordoun, It is ane vntruth ; and
that George Gordoune answered him, in the same termes. It is ane vntruth
which you saye. Item, James Gordoun deponed that George Gordoun, in
Rynie, did cast him vpon Mr. Henry, they being all in the floore of the
house together. Patrik Gordoune, sone to Hew Gordoune, deponed that
these speeches passed mutuallye betueen Mr. Henrye and George Gor-
doune : Mr. Henry said that it was vntruth which George Gordoune said ;
and George Gordoune said that it was ane vntruth which Mr. Henry said.
Patrik Gordoune being demaunded if he sawe George Gordoune cast
James Gordoune of Tilliangus vpon Mr. Henrye, his answer was, that in-
deed he touked James Gordoune and did cast him vpon Mr. Henrye, but
upon what intention he knew not. James Gordoune and Patrik Gordoune
deponed both in one voyce, that they never saw Mr. Henrye passe by
George Gordoune without ane salutation, and that they never heard Mr.
Henrye vtter such a word as Goosehead or Buckhead.

The said daye, George Gordoune, in Rynie, alleaged that vpon a tyme
he requyred Mr. Ilcnrye to goe to his house and visitc, his wyfe and chil-

14 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1637-

dren being diseased, and he flatly refused, and for probation be appealed to
the testimonye of Mr. Patrik Andersone and Alexander Gordoune, both
present, and desyred the moderator to tak their oath upon it.

The said Mr. Patrik Andersone and Alexander Gordoune declared, by
their oath alreadye made, that they remembred no such thing.

Mr. William Milne his absence the former daye of meeting excused by
his disease.

Mr. Patrik Jamesone handles the commoune head this daye twenty dayes.

The brethren tooke the mater betueen Mr. Henry e and George Gor-
doune ad avisandum.

At Botary, Marche 15, 1637.

Mr. James Tailyeour, schoolemaister at Keath, desyred to enter vpon
the exercise.

The brethren, for the tryall of his knowledge of the grounds of religion,
ordained him to explane the Apostles Creede this daye 15 dayes.

Johne Wilsone, in Abercherdour, in obedience to the ordinance of the
Presbyterie, February 8, 1637, compeared, and produced a letter of Slaines
given vnto him by Gilbert and James Seatons, and subscrivit by tuo no-
tares, Walter Hacket and Patrik Wilsone. The brethren finding the said
letter of Slaines sufficient enough, ordained the said Johne to make his re-
pentance, in sackcloth, till the minister and eldars be satisfied. He was
ordained also to paye ten markes penaltye, but, in respect his meanes wer
exhausted by giuing satisfaction to the partie, the brethren continued the
payement therof, and that vpon his good behaviour onlye.

It was ordained that every brother should make intimation out of his
pulpit, that none of their parishioners receipt Margaret Charles, who was
lately parted with chylde in the parish of Dumbennand.

The controversie betueen Mr. Henrye Rosse and George Gordoune, in
Rynie, remitted to the Bishop and Synod.

At Botary, March 29, 1637.

Mr. Alexander Fraser excused his absence from the former meeting by
reason he was with the Laird of Balvenye, about a business of great weight
which he could not neglect. This excuse was admitted.

Mr. James Tailyeour explained the Apostolick Creed. His travells wer
allowed.

1637.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 15

Patrik Wilsone being sumonded, apud acta, to answere this daye anent
his night drinking, compeared. Mr. Joseph Brodye, to prove his allea-
gances against him, produced witnesses, namely, James Morisone, George
Wilsone, Johne Wilsone, who being all admitted and sworne, deponed as
after followes : James Morisone deponed, that he continued drinkino- till
cockcrowe, and that he and his companye dranke eleven pyntes aill ; mor-
ouer, the said James deponed that in his drunkennes he stroke James
Troup, messinger, with his hand, and that he rayled against some gentle-
men in the parish. George Wilsone deponed that he left Patrik Wilsone
and his companye drinking after cockcrowe, and that he strake and rayled,
vt supra. Johne Wilsone deponed that the said Patrik was ouercome with
drinke, and that he dranke after cockcrowe. The brethren ordained the
said Patrik to stand in sackcloth tuo Sabbaths, and to paye four markes
penaltye.

At Botary, Apryl 12, 1637.

Mr. Williame Read, Mr. Robert Irving, excused for their absence
the former daye by reason of their age and the boysterousnes of the
wind.

Issobell Malcolme, parishoner of Botarye, sumonded to this daye for
charming, compeared, and confessed that she had beene in vse of charmeino-
this twenty yeeres, and being requyred to name some of these whome she had
charmed, she named Jeane Rudderfuird, spouse to James Gordoune, in
Torrisoyle, and [ ] Innes, spouse to Johne Ogilvye of Miltoune ;

she confessed that she had charmed both these gentlewemen for the bairne
bed ; and sicklyke, she confessed that she had charmed ane chyldes sore
eye in Bade, within the parish of Ruven. The censure of the said Issobell
was continued in hope that she should be found yet more guiltye. The
moderator, Mr. Robert Jameson, reported that, he hearing that she vsed
charmeing, he raised her from the table, she having a purpose to com-
municat.

The brethren think it very fitting to regrate to the Bishop and Synod
the generall defection to poperye.

It is regrated that Alexander Gordoune of Carneburro doth openly re-
ceipt preists, Jesuits, recussants, and excommunicat persons, and that he
doeth baptize his children by preists. The mater is remitted to the judge-
ment of the Bishop and Synod.

16 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1637.

At Botary, May 17, 1637.
Mr. Robert Irving excused his former absence by the tempest of [raine].
His excuse was rejected, by reason the raine was warme, and the addition
laye vpon him. He was exhorted to keepe the meetings more carefullye,
otherwise he should be delated to the Bishop and Synod, to be censured
by them.

At Botary, May 31, 1637.

Mr. Alexander Innes, Mr. Robert Watsone, Mr. Alexander Fraser,
absent.

Mr. Joseph Brodye excused his absence from the former meeting by
reason he was in Murray, visiting the Bishop, who was diseased. His
excuse was admitted.

Mr. Johne Annand excused his absence from the former meeting by
reason he was cited to Inuernes for concealed moneyes. His excuse was
admitted.

John Morgan, in Botarye, sumonded to this daye, for struggling with
Christane Mulloch, and offering to ravish her, as she alledged, compeared,
and could nocht denye but that he did cast her doun to the ground. He
was ordained to paye ten markes penaltye, and to stand in sackcloth, bare-
footed, till the congregation be satisfied ; and the said Christane signifieing
to the brethren that she feared yet his rage, they inacted the said Johne
that, in tyme comeing, he should offer no wrong to the said Christane,
vnder the paine of fourtie pounds.

Thomas Wilsone being sumonded to this daye (vt supra), compeared,
and the brethren, considering that he was neere kinsman to Patrik Wil-
sone, they ordained the said Thomas (by consent of the said Patrik) to
humble himself presentlye vpon his knees, and to ask God and the
said Patrik forgivenes ; which the said Thomas did, and so they were
reconciled.

Botary, May 16, 1638.
Robert Gordoune of Cowdraine being sumonded to this daye, pro
3"-, vt supra, compeared, and confessed that he had not resorted to the
churche, nor communicated ; and being deraaunded if he would purge
himself of the receipt of masse, by his oath, he refused, and referred the
probation therof to Mr. Williame Read, his minister. The brethren

1638.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 17

continued their sentence to the next daye, proraiseing to the said Robert
to produce the councell's warrant for their power of taking oathes in
suche cases, and suraonded the said Robert, apud acta, to compeare, and
heare it read vnto him.

Botary, Junij 6, 1638.

The said daye, compeared Robert Gordoune of Cowdraine, and confessed
he had not communicated in the church of Gartlye these four yeeres by-
gone, neither resorted to the church for hearing of the word. And being
requyred to purge himself, by his oathe, of the receipt of preists, receiving
of the sacrament from them, and in particular, from Mr. Thomas Black-
hall, Mr. Johne Smyth, Father Crystie, Mr. Thomas Abernethye,
Father Robisone, and that conforme to an act of councell produced and
red in his audience, he refused to give his oath, alledging that he was not
holden to doe the same, becaus that act was but an act of councell, and
not ane act of Parliament. And the brethren replyeing that that act of
counsell was relative to ane act of Parliament, he refusit absolutelie to
purge himself by his oath. And the said Robert Gordoune being de-
maunded whether he was present or not at the baptisme of Alexander
Gordoune of Carneburro his chylde, which was baptised be a preist, and
being posed theranent by his oath, he refused to purge himself by his
oath. The brethren ordained the said Robert to make his repentance pub-
likelie, in the kirk of Gartlie, and to pay 20s. for every Sabbaths absence
from the church, and to paye 20 libs, for everie yeeres not communicating.

Mr. Richard Maitland handles the commoun head, the twentieth of Junij.
Mr. Alexander Innes and Mr. Robert Watsone, having received commission
from the Bishop and Synod to conferre with the Ladye of Frendraucht,
then reported that they came to her house to that end, but found her not,
although Mr. Richard Maitland had acquainted her with their coraeing
befor hand.

Botary, June 20, 1638.

Mr. Richard Maitland handled the question, an externum regimen eccle-
siae sit monarchicum. His travells wer alloued.

Botoriphny, August 1, 1638.
The minister, Mr. Alexander Fraser, being removed, received ane good
testimonye, both for doctrine and conversation, of his eldars.

c

18 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1638.

George Robertsone, church ofl&cer, was rebuked for his negligence in
collectino- the penaltyes. The eldars were vt antea, and none added to
their number.

The brethren ordained the churcheyard dykes to be helped.

The said daye, Johne Andersone of Waster Ardbrake, and Walter
Stewart in Easter Ardbrake, compeared, and acclamed that rowme for
deskes to themselues which was possessed these many yeeres by Mr. Alex-
ander Fraser, minister. The minister alledged that that rowme duely and
properly belonged to him, becaus it was his by partition, (which partition
is expreslye set doune in the session booke.) The said Johne and Walter
made protestation that that partition should not holde, by reason it was
made without consent of the Bishop and Patron, and that the acts of the
session booke concerning that mater were not subscryved by the eldars.
The brethren for the present would determine nothing, but tooke the mater
to be advysed upon.

Botary, October 25, 1638.

The said daye, the brethren vnderstanding that there was ane Generall
Assemblye indicted by his Majestic to be holden at Glasgow the twentie
ane of November next, thought expedient to meet the tuentie of October
next, for choosing commissioners to the forsaid Generall Assemblie ; and
to this end euery brother was ordained to conveene his eldars, that out of
their number they might send one to the presbyterie, to keepe the forsaid
meeting for choosing ane ruling eldar commissioner to the Generall
Assemblye.

Botary, October 20, 1638.

The said daye, according to the former ordinance, the brethren con-
veened for choosing commissioners to the Generall Assemblie. The
ruling eldars, who, at the desyre of ther ministers, wer nominated to keepe
this meeting, and wer present, were these : Patrik Gibsone of Kinmin-
nitie, from Keyth ; Adam Duff of Drummuir, from Botoriphnie ; Walter
Hacket, from Rothimey ; James Hammiltoune, from Kinnoir ; James Duff
of Bad, from Botarye and Ruven ; George Calder of Asuanlie, from
Glasse ; George Gordoune, from Dumbennand ; Thomas Innes of Path-
nike, from Grange. From the remanent parishes within the presbyterie
the ruling eldares refused to come to the meeting, as their pastours
reported.

1639.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 19

Mr. Joseph Brodie, Mr. Alexander Innes, Mr. Johne Annand, wer put
vpon the list ; and Mr. Joseph Brodye, Mr. Johne Annand, wer nominat
and chosen commissioners, by a pluralitie of voyces.

Of the rulings eldars present, tuo, namely, Patrik Gibsone of Kinmin-
itie, Adam Duff of Drummuir, and Alexander Gordoune in Merdrum,
wilfullie absent, (becaus he was designed and keeped not this dyet,) wer
put vpon the list, and, by pluralitie of voyces, Alexander Gordoune was
chosen commissioner for the ruling eldars.

Botary, December 13, 1638.

Mr. Joseph Brodie, Mr. Johne Annand, commissioners, having re-
turned from the Generall Assemblye, the brethren demaunded them what
reason they had to leave the Assemblie so soone, sieing as yet the As-
semblie was not dissolued. Their answere was, that my Lord Marques
Hammiltoune, Commissioner, had charged the Assemblie to ryse, vnder
paine of treason ; in obedience to which charge they had left the Assem-
blie, and were come home to their stations.

The said day, it was ordained that no minister within the presbyterie
should subscryve any writ whatsoever, concerning the commoun effaires of
the churche, without the advyse of the brethren.

The said daye, Mr. Richard Maitland was ordained to sumond D. Eliza-
beth Gordoune, spouse to James Crichtoune of Frendraucht ; Elizabeth
Crichtoune, daughter to the said James ; Elizabeth Elphinstoune, spouse
to Robert Coleis; Agnes Hebron, spouse to Patrik Chalmer, for their
not hearing of the word, and not communicating.

At Botary, January 23, 1639.
The said daye, Mr. Williame Chalmer handled the question, De efficacia
sacramentorum. His travells allowed.

At Botary, July 10, 1639.
Mr. Richard Maitland, sumonded to this daye for deserting the presby-
terie, and adjoyning himself to the Presbyterie of Turreff, compeared,
and alledged that the brethren of the Presbyterie of Turreff had charged
him, vnder paine of deprivation, to adjoyne himself to their presbyterie.
He was ordained to adhere to the Presbyterie of Botarie, in all tyme
comeing, vnder paine of deprivation. Mr. Robert Irving, having com-

20 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1639.

mitted the lyke fault, was suraonded to this daye to have answered ther-
anent, but compeared not. He was ordained to be sumonded pro 2°-

The brethren, vnderstanding that his Majestie had indicted a Generall
Assemblie to be holden at Edinburgh the tuelt of August next, the brethren
wer ordained to acquaint ther session therwith, that from everie session
within the presbyterie ane laye eldar may come to keepe the next meeting
of the presbyterie for choosing of ane ruling eldar to be sent commissioner
to the Generall Assemblie, and that according to the constitution of this
church.

At Botary, July 24.

The brethren reported that, according to the former ordinance, they had
desyred their eldars to send one of their number to keepe this meeting for
choosing ane ruling eldar to be sent commissioner to the Generall Assem-
blie. Mr. Henry Rosse, Mr. Alexander Fraser, Mr. Alexander Innes,
Mr. Richard Maitland, reported that their sessions had refused simplie
and absolutelie to obeye the ordinance of the presbyterie. But from the
session of Keith, ther compeared Patrik Gibsone of Kinminnitie. From
the session of Grange, compeared Thomas Innes of Pathnick. From the
session of Glasse, compeared George Calder of Asuanlie ; from Ruven,
compeared George Gordoune of Auchanache. From the session of Gartlie,
compeared George Gordoune in Colithe. And by pluralitie of voyces,
Patrik Gibsone of Kinminnitie was nominat and chosen to be commissioner
to the Generall Assemblie.

The said day, Mr. Alexander Innes and Mr. Williame Milne being put
vpon the lists, that one of them might be chosen and sent commissioner to
the Assemblye, by pluralitie of voyces Mr. Williame Milne was nominat
and chosen.

The brethren thought expedient to convene August fifth, for furnishing
their commissioner with money es, and instructing him with a commissione.

At Botary, August 5, 1639.
The said day, the commissioners to the Generall Assemblie, Mr. Wil-
liame Milne and Patrick Gibsone, wer instructed with commission sub-
scrivyed with the hands of the brethren ; and also Mr. Williame Milne was
furnished with moneyes to beare his charges, by commoun contribution of
the brethren.

1639.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 21

George Adaraesone of Braco, and Grisell Stewart in Grange, being
sumonded to this daye for their cohabitation in fornication, compeared not.
Mr. Robert Watsone, their minister, regrated heavilie that the said George,
accompanyed with Angus Baine Mackintosh, servant to Johne Stewart in
Grange, intercepted him in the way as he was comeing to this meeting,
furnished with guns, swords, and targes, and first threatned him for refusing
to give him mariage with the [said] Girsell; and the said Mr. Robert jus-
tifieing his refusall, becaus he had not satisfied as yet the discipline of the
churche. Then the said George and Angus strooke the said Mr. Robert
most violentlie off his horse to the ground, and with their guns and stones
knocked him in the armes and breast to his great hurt, so that scarcelie was
the said Mr. Robert able (when he did complaine to the presbyterie) to
drawe his breath. Also, they strake the said Mr. Robert his servant to the
ground, and held ane draw en durke to his breast, and boxed him. Morouer,
the said George threatned the church officer that he should not come any
more to him to sumond him befor the presbyterie. The brethren, being
touched with a fellow-feeling of the great hurt and injurie that Mr. Robert
had received, ordained Mr. WiUiame Milne to represent this great disorder
to the Generall Assemblie.

At Botary, September 18, 1639.
The said daye, Patrik Wilsone, eldar in Grange, compeared, and regrated
that their minister, Mr. Robert Watsone, was so diseased that he was not
able to discharge his function, and therfor desyred that the people might be
helped by the brethren of the presbyterie. The brethren, vnderstanding
that Mr. Robert his disease was caused by George Adamesone and Angus
Baine, vt siqjra, they thought it not meet to send any for their helpe till
they should see the ministers wrong repaired, or at least see in the pa-
rishoners ane desyre and endewour to repaire it.

At Botary, October 23, 1639.
The brethren, vnderstanding this daye that some brethren vnder everie
presbyterie were to meet to-morrow at Elgin, for church effaires, the
brethren in one voyce ordained Mr. Johne Annand to keepe that dyet for
the Presbyterie of Botarie.

At Botary, December 11, 1639.
Robert Emlach, schoolemaister in Abercherdour, being sumonded to this

22 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1640.

daye for proclameing the banes of the young Laird Frendraucht with
Generall Leslye his daughter, without the minister his knowledge and con-,
sent, the said Robert compeared, and alledged that the minister himself was
absent, otherwise he would not have presumed to doe so.

The said daye, ther was ane supplication given in by the session of Keith,
regrating that there were many persones dissobedient to their decreets and
ordinances, and they knew not how to order them. The advyse that the
brethren gave was, that if those persones were of meane estate, their
maisters should be made answerable for them ; and if they were persons of
note, that the eldars (cheeflie those of eminent place) should concurre with
the minister for the poynding of them ; which, if the minister vrged, and
they neglected or refused to doe, they should, at the visitation of the church,
be censured by the presbyterie as vnfaithfull in their office.

The said daye, ther was delyvered to the brethren by Mr. Johne Annand
some litle printed pamphlets, containeing directions for the worship of God
in privat families ; as also, ane letter from Mr. David Dick, moderator of
the Assemblie at Edinburgh, and Mr. Archebald Johnestoune, clerke of
the said Assemblie, wherin the brethren were requyred to receive these
pamphlets, and to vrge vpon their severall congregations the practyse of
these directions. Morouer, ther was delyuered by the said Mr. Johne the
act of the said Assemblie anent these directions, and another letter from the
ministers of Edinburgh, wherin the brethren were most gravely exhorted to
stirre vp their people to conversion and repentance, that God might be glo-
rified in the worke of reformation so happilie begun, etc.

At Botary, January 8, 1640.
Christane Rind and Thomas Duff, summonded for sending for Issobell
Malcolme in Glasse, supposed to be a witche, for consulting with her, and
receiving charmes and directions from her. The said Christane com-
peared not. Ordained to be sumonded pro secundo.

At Botary, January 29, 1640.
Issobell Malcolme in Glasse, being sumonded for giving consultations
and directions of witchcraft to Christane Rind, compeared, and being chal-
lenged for comeing to Christane Rind and sayeing to her. Your guidman
hes gotten wrong in Alexander Spense house ; and in token that this is
true, he hes not been able sensyne to doe any thing to you, more then yee
to him ; and therfor goe quicklie and reprove them, otherwise yee will not

1640.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 23

be well. The said Isobell refuised all, and affirmed that she said no more,
But if yow suspect them, yow should have reproved them. George Gor-
doune, sone-in-law to Thomas DufF, tooke vpon him to prove all that was
laid to the said Isobells charge by James Loban, who was lyeing in the
chamber beside Thomas Duff when Issobell Malcolme came to visite, as
she alledged. The said James Loban compeared, and being admitted, de-
poned that he sawe the said Isobell Malcolme grope the said Thomas, and
heard her saye to him, In truth, Thomas, yow have gotten wrong ; in
token wherof, yow have done nothing to your wyfe since yee came from
Alexander Spense house more then she to you : albeit, yee had had sevin-
tein mens lyfes yow could not have [ ], it was laid so strong for

yow. The brethren charged the said Issobell to keepe the meeting of the
presbyterie this day twentie dayes.

At Botary, May 20, 1040.

Mr. Alexander Innes and Mr. Robert Irving being yet owing their con-
tribution to Mr. William Milne, commissioner sent to the Generall As-
semblie at Edinburgh, they promised against the next daye of meeting to
paye him.

At Botary, July 15, 1640.

Mr. Joseph Brodie reported, that he beeing to give the third publike ad-
monition to Mr. Williame Levingstoune vpon June twenty seventh, the said
Mr. William stoode vp in the church, and affirmed in the audience of the
whole congregation that Mr. Joseph Brodie was doing all in malice against
him, and did suffer greater faults to slip through his fingers. Also, Mr. Joseph
reported that in the churchyard the said Mr. William began to rayle againe.
Whervpon the brethren, taking to heart the complaints of Mr. Joseph
Brodie, thought fit to represent it, and the fault of the lyke nature, to the
approaching Generall Assemblie for redresse ; as also, they thought meet,
at the next visitation of the church of Keith, to rebuke the eldars of that
parish for suffering such ane greevous enormitie. Morouer, the said Mr.
Joseph reported, that he, proceeding to the second publike prayer for Mr.
William Levingstoune, vpon July twelfth, Walter Barclaye, one of the
eldars, rose vp and promised in Mr. WiUiam Levingstoune his name that
he should compeare this daye befor the presbyterie ; who, being called,
compeared not, and therfor the brethren ordained Mr. Joseph Brodie to
goe forward with the processe.

24 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1640.

James Adam and Margaret Muirsone, in Grange, having satisfied for
ther incest, compeared and wer absolued.

The brethren ordained Mr. Alexander Innes his deprivation of the mi-
nisterie at Rothimey to be intimated in all the churches of the presbyterie.

The said day, by vniforme consent of the brethren, Mr. Joseph Brodie
and Mr. Robert Jamesone were chosen and nominat commissioners to the
Generall Assemblye holdenat Aberdene the last Tuysdaye of Julij. There
commission and instructions wer delyvered vnto them. And the said daye,
Alexander Ogilvie of Kemphairne wes nominat and chosen commissionar
for the ruling eldars.

At Botary, August 19, 1640.

The said daye, the parishoners of Kinnoir and Dumbennand gave in a
supplication, declaring that they were now destitute of ane pastour by rea-
son of Mr. Johne Annand his transportation to the church of Invernes, and
professing that their eyes and hearts were set vpon Mr. James Gordoune,
minister at Kearne, as being confident in the Lord that his labours amongs
them may be fruitfull, and so much the rather becaus the said Mr. James
was recommended v.nto thame by their lord and maister the Marques of
Huntlie, vndoubted patron of the said kirkes. The brethren accepted their
supplication, and wer glad of their desyre to have their church planted.
This their supplication was subscryved by sundrie of the parishoners,
namely, Johne Gordoune in Artlach, Adam Gordoune in Welheads, James
Straquhen in Colonach, James Andersone in Dumbennan, James Hammil-
toune in Corse, Thomas Duff in Miltoune, Patrik Murraye in Achmuil,
George Gordoune in Gibstoune, Johne Gordoune in Torrisoyle, Andrew
Murraye in Achmuil, Alexander Spense at the Milne of Maines, Alexander
Gordoune in Cowiemure, Johne Hammiltoune at the Mill of Kinnoir, Johne
Spense, Jerome Spense in Brountstone, Alexander Henrie in Auchinlek,
Johne Gordoune in Rawes, Johne Gordoune in Miltoune.

John Maltman in Botarie being sumonded to this daye for the slaughter
of Walter Boynd, Mr. Robert Gordoun in Botarie compeared in the said
Johne his name, and made ane ofier of satisfaction to the church in repent-
ance and penaltie. The mater was continued till the next daye of meeting.

At Botary, September 16, 1640.
The said daye, it was ordained, if any brother shall be found absent tuo

1640.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 25

dayes together without ane sufficient reason showed to ther presbyterie, he
shall be suspended from the ministerie.

All the brethren who wer owing contributions to the commissioners, Mr.
Joseph Brodie and Mr. Robert Jamesone, wer ordained to bring them with
them the next daye, vnder paine of suspension.

The said daye, a letter, directed from the Laird of Strathloche, Johne
Maltman his maister, was presented to the brethren, wherin he desyred the
processe against the said Johne to be continued till he should travell with
the pairtie for satisfaction. The said Johne his processe was continued for
a moneth ; and it was ordained that, after the expyring of ane moneth, the
said Johne should be sumonded againe befor the presbyterie.

Captaine Alexander Copland in Abercherdour, being sumonded to this
daye for receipt of James Con, excoramunicat papist, compeared not. He
was ordained to be sumonded pro 2°-

The said daye, compeared Mr. James Gordoune, minister at Kearne,
and presented ane presentation to the vnited churches of Kinnoir and Dum-
bennand, given vnto him by the Right Noble George Marques of Huntlie,
etc., vndoubted patron of the said churches. Sicklyke, the said Mr. James
produced ane act of transportation from the church of Kerne, subscry ved by
the brethren of the presbyterie of Aufurd, which act did beare famous tes-
timonie of the said Mr. James his qualification. Morouer, George Gor-
doune in Gibstoune, and Johne Hammiltoune at the Mill of Kinnoir, for
themselves and in name of the parishoners, compeared, and desyred, accord-
ing to the presentation and act of transportation, and their former supplica-
tion, that the said Mr. James Gordoune should be primo quoque tempore
admitted to be their minister. The brethren, duelie considering the said
Mr. James his transportation and presentation granted, and the supplication
made by the parishoners, they accepted the said Mr. James to the minis-
terie of the said vnited churches ; and ordained him to preache per vices at
the said churches the tuo next ensuing Sabbaths, and to serve edicts at the
said churches to the last daye of this instant September, on which day the
said Mr. James shall preache at the church of Dumbennand befor the pres-
byterie and parishoners ; and after sermon, he shall receive collation and in-
stitution, according to the [ ].

The said daye, compeared Robert Gordoune of Cowdraine, alledged
factor to James Gordoune of Rothimey, and presented Mr. James Gor-
doune, sone to Mr. Robert of Strathloche, to be minister at the church of

26 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1640.

Rothimey, now vacant by the deprivation of Mr. Alexander Innes, and re-
quyred the said Mr. James to be admitted to his tryalls. The brethren,
callino- to mynd that they had condescended to present Mr. WiUiame Mihie
to the said churche, as having right to the patronage thereof, by reason, as
they ar informed, James Gordoune of Rothimey his right of presentation
was reduced by the late Bishop of Murraye, and that m foro contradictorio.
Therfor the brethren, least they should be thought partiall to themselues as
pretending right, or should wrong the said James Gordoune, they referred
the mater to the consideration of the next insueing Provinciall Assernblie ;
and requyred the said Robert and Mr. James Gordounes to keepe the said
Assemblie at Forres the last Tuisdaye of October.

The said daye, Mr. James Gordoune, sone to Mr. Robert Gordoune of
Strathloche, did aske leave of the presbyterie to preache at the church of
Rothimeye ; but becaus as yet they had seene no evidence nor testification
of his literature, or being vpon the publike exercise in any presbyterie, they
refused to grant his sute.

At Dumbennand, September 30, 1640.

This daye being appoynted for the admission of Mr. James Gordoune to
be minister at the vnited churches of Kinnoir and Dumbennand, and Mr.
James having caused serve edicts at both the said churches vpon the Sab-
bath preceiding, and none compearing to object any thing against the said
Mr. James his admission, the brethren, in the sight of such parishoners as
were conveened for the tyme, did give letters of collation to the said Mr.
James; and the said Mr. James going vp into the pulpit, Mr. Robert Irving,
minister at Innerkeithnie, did give institution to the said Mr. James, by
delyvering the Bible vnto him, as vse is in such cases. Wherupon, in-
strument was taken in the hands of James Andersone in Dumbennand,
notar publikc ; and the said Mr. James having come downe out of the
pulpit, he was received and embraced by the parishoners present.

The said daye, the brethren finding the presentation given to the said
Mr. James by the Right Noble the Marques of Huntlie to be defective in
most necessarie clauses, they tooke the said Mr. James his faithfull promise
that he should cause the Marques of Huntlie (at his returne into Scotland)
to mak vp a new presentation, which should give the brethren full content-
ment and satisfaction.

The said daye, Mr. James Gordoune, sone to Mr. Robert Gordoune of

1642.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 27

Strathloche, did present vnto the brethren of the presbyterie a testimonial!
subscryved by the brethren of the Presbyterie of Aberden, declaring that
the said Mr. James had exercised publikelie befor them, and given them
contentment. Wherupon the brethren gave libertie to the said Mr. James
to preache at Rothimey the next Sabbath, and befor the presbyterie this
daye fifteen dayes, vpon the ordinarie mater of the exercise, Rom. xiv. 4.

At Botarie, Maii 18, 1642.

The said day, Mr. James Gordon, person of Kinnore, reported that,
notwithstanding Mr. James Hendry in Robiestoun, and Robert Rhind in
Raweis, had already subscrivit the Couenant, yet, being personallie re-
quired to communicate, they had refused to doe the samen ; and sicklike,
that Jannat Stewart, spous to the said Mr. James, and Bessie Patersone,
spous to the said Robert Rhind, keiped no ordor, nether in resorting to
the publict worshipe, nor communicating in the sacramente of the Lords
Supper. Therfor the brethren, finding themselfis to be ludified with aequi-
vocall subscriptiounes to elude some present danger, and to returne back
to their erroris quhen they find occasion, lykas the said persons hade done
so already, efter swearing and subscrywing abefor, they ordained the said
Mr. James to pronunce the sentence of excommunicatioune against them.

Mr. William Reid reported that Robert Gordoun of Coldran wes be-
come ane ordinare hearar.

Item, he reported, that he hade gone himself to William Mair and
Jannat Gordoun, in Kirknie, and hade earnestlie requested them to give
obedience to the presbytery the next day, otherwise he assured them they
wold be excommunicate ; and that, at the earnest request off" George
Gordoun in Culithie, Adam Gordoun at the Milne of Gairtly, and Robert
Gordoun of Culdrane, he hade already continewit the sentence. The said
William Mair was so farre from giving obedience, that he hade earnestlie
requestit the said Mr. William Reid to doe him the favour to excommunicate
him. Quheropon the brethren conveined ordayned the said Mr. William to
obey the request, and to excommunicate him the next Sunday heireftcr.

Compeired James Mill and Issobell Duncan, his spous, parochiners of
Abercherdour, compleaning wpon Walter Chalmcr in Kairnehill ther,
that he hade abused the said Jannat Duncan, on the Sabbath day, and
hade stricken her to the effusione of her blood. The said Walter Chalraer
being present, confessit that he stracke her, and his reason was, that the

28 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1642.

said James Mill and Issobell Duncam wer both his servantis, and, being
drunk, hade made a pley in his house, and could not gett them rid untill
the tyme that he was forced efter that maner to separate them ; and that
they hade abused him with wordis, and hade rent his cloathes. Alvayes
the brethren present thocht him to be ane rogh ridder, and ordayned him,
for the brack of the Sabboth, to mak his repentance, and pey four
merkis penalty.

At Botarie, Junij 10, 1642.

The said day, efter in calling of the name of God, conveined the mo-
derator and brethren. Absentes, Mr. Alexander Fraser.

Mr. Alexander Watsone explayned the articles of the Creed. His
travellis allovit.

Compeirit John Tulloch, and being accused for his cohabitatioun with
Elspet Gordon, vt supra, answerit, the devill a care cared he for their
excoramunicatioune ; excommunicate him the morne, if they pleased. The
brethren ordayned him yet to give and subscribe a band, wnder paine of
perjurie and infamie, for abstinence from the said Elspet, and to find a
sufficient cautioner, "wnder payne of ane hundreth libs.; otherwayes the
sentence, quam primum, to be pronunced, becaus he intended altogidder to
ludifie the kirk.

Corapeired John Charles, in Gibstoun, and being accused for not com-
municateing this yeir with the rest of the parochineris, he answered that
the day quhen the communion was celebrate at Dumbennand, he went to
Botruphnie, to his brotheris banquet, hot obledged him to communicate at
the next occasion. The brethren ordayned him, for his former neglect,
and his profane unfrequenting of the samen, to pey aucht merkis.

At Botarie, Junii 15, 1642.

Mr. Robert Jamesone handled the controversie, an ecclesia possit errare.
His travellis allowit.

This day being appoynted be the presbyterie for nominatioun and elec-
tioun of commissioners to the next Generall Assembly, to be holdin at
St. Andrewis the last Tuysday of July next, and Mr. Joseph Brody, Mr.
Robert Jamesone, Mr. William Reid, Mr. Hendry Rosse, Mr. William
Mill, Mr. Robert Watsone, being conveined to that effect ; and of the
ruleing elderis, Alexander Ogilvie of Kempkairne, for Keyth ; Thomas

1642.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 29

Innes of Pethnik, for Grange ; George Calder of Asvanlie, for Glasse ;
James Gordoune of Bogartie, for Gairtlie ; George Gordoun of Achan-
achie, for Ruthven ; Adam Duff of Drummuir, for Botruphnie ; and
thrie of the ministrie, be common consent, being put wpon list, viz. Mr.
Joseph Brody, Mr. James Gordoun, Mr. Robert Watsone, the brethren
and ruleing elderis, with one consent, made nominatioun of Mr. Joseph
Brody, minister at Keyth ; and for the ruleing elderis, my Lord Gordoun,
Kempkarne, and Pethnik, being put on the list, nominatione, with on
consent, was made of my Lord Gordoun, and, failzieing of his accepta-
tioune, nominatioun was made of Alexander Ogilvie of Kempkairne. The
brethren ordayned their commission to be written furth, and to be sub-
scrived the next day, and four libs, of contributioun by ilk minister to be
given to the said Mr. Joseph.

The said day, Mr. Robert Jamesone reported that he hade given John
Matman, murtherer of Walter Boyne, his second admonition to the cen-
sures of excommunicatioun, and that he remayned as yet werie obstinate,
and was vseing all meanes to elude the censures of the presbyterie, and
hade imbarked some of good note in that busines, to beare him out in his
wickednes, and disturbe the said Mr. Robert his peace, alledging that he
was soght out of splene. Nether wold he pey ony pecuniall mulct, to be
imployed ad pios vsus ecclesiae. Incace that the kirk wold refuse his
repentance, he wold take instrument of his offer, and then no minister
within the presbyterie durst excommunicate him. The ministrie and
ruleing elderis this day present, considering the said John to be a wicked
and ewill disposed persone, quho hade no true signes of repentance ; and
also that, besyde the slaughter of Walter Boyne, he was guiltie of the
murther of wmquhill George Wyseman, in Drumdelgie, for the quhich
he hade nether made nor offered any satisfactioun to the partie nor to the
church, but was lying under proces (befor the civill judge), yet wndis-
cussed, wpon suspensiones raised at the said John his instance ; and sick-
lyke, that he had bound Jeane Davidsone, daughter to Alexander David-
sone, Webster, to a post, and hade brydled her without ony just cans, and
to the gryt effusion of her blood, quho lay bedfast a yeir therefter ; and
also, out of his drunken humor, he frequentlie vsed to brydle his owne
wyffe ; and that he regarded nether admonitioun nor church censure, bot
plainlie affirmed that he wold doe nothing bot that quhilk his maister com-
manded him to doe. In consideratioun of the premisses, the brethren

30 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1642-

finding them self bund in conscience, as likwayes be the lawis and statutes
of this kirk and kingdome, to advertise the magistrate in the cans of bluid,
quhilk cryes for wengeance wpon the haill land quher the same is shed,
without punishment ; and also finding themselfis bund by the statutes of
this kirk to excommunicate such oflPenderis, quho intendes to elude the
severitie of justice be ony meanes quhatsoever besyde the tryall of their
innocencie, and that such persones are not to be admittit to the societie of
the church untill such tyrae as ether the magistrate punish according to
the law, or els pardon the cryme ; and also quhill the offender give suffi-
cient signes of repentance, least, admitting impaenitent persones to the
samen, God should be therby mocked, and highlie offended with such as
admittis them thervnto. Therfor the whole presbyterie, with one con-
sent, discharged the said Maister Robert ether to receive penaltie or re-
pentance from the said John Matman wntill the tyme that he wer ether
declared innocent of the said crymes be a lawfull assysse befor the civil
judge, and hade also satisfied the partie, and obtained a lettre of Slaynes
from all haveing interest, as also the supreme magistrates pardon and re-
missione for the said slaughteris and crymes ; and withall ordayned the said
Mr. Robert to pronunce the sentence of excommunicatioune against him,
and to dilate him to the civill judge, that order may be taken heirwith.

At Botruphne, 30th Junij, 1642.

The said day, efter incalling of the name of God, conveined the modera-
tor and brethren.

Mr. Robert Watsone teached, Revel. 20 c. 6 v.

Absentes, Mr. William Reid, Mr. Hendry Ros, Mr. Robert Irving, Mr.
Richard Maitland.

Elderis. Deacones.

Adam Duff of Drummuire. William Stewart.

George Leslie of Towibeg. Alexander Stevart in Kirktoun.

John Stewart of Ardbrak. James Christie in Argathny.

John Anderson of Westerardbrak John Bisset, theasurer.

John Leslie in Achroy.

Arthur Stevart in Tachenheid.

The minister, Mr. Alexander Fraser, being removed, all the elderis and
gentlemen being severallie suorne wpon their gryt oath to declare quhat
they knew of the said Mr. Alexander ; and being particularlie posed con-

1642.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 31

cerning his literature and qualificatioune, and if he was a poverfuU preacher,
and discharged his duty faithfully within the said paroche, deponed that he
was a good populare preacher ; that he administrate his discipline faithfullie.
And being posed concerning his life and conversatioun, if they knew ony
thing that was scandalous, or might disinable him from being a minister,
everie on of them deponit that wpon their conscience they knew nothing bot
good of him, and that he was blameles. Bot being particularly posit wpon
a scandall that was spred throgh the contrey wpon the said Mr. Alexander,
they all in one woyce deponed wpon their conscience that they knew nothing
on him bot that he was a werie honest man, and quhatsoever hade bein
spoken wes but mere calumnies, forged and devised be foolish or malicious
persones. And the said Mr. Alexander himself, being particularlie posit
theron, oflFered to purge himself befor the presbytery be quhatsoever meanes
they and the session thocht meet, and soght their advise to that effect. And
as for that scandall, all the elderis solemnlie protested that they saw no just
ground therof, bot all proceided wpon the report of a foolish litle on, within
tuell yeiris of age, quho for feare of punishment hade left the contrey. The
brethren ordayned the elderis and the said Mr. Alexander to mak search
and inquisitioun for the said litle lasse, and to report quhat they culd find
anent that matter to the presbytery quhen they thoght meit.

Compeired Elspet Gordoun, spous to Walter Ogilvie in Ardbrone, and
being accused for the dishanting of Godis worship and not communicateing,
contrarie to her oath and subscriptioun, quhilk wes testified be a band
quhich was delivered to Mr. Alexander Fraser, also be Mr. Robert Ja-
mesone, quho tooke the said band of her befor the solemnizatioun of her
mariage ; the said Elspet confessed that she hade never communicated nor
yet suorne, bot that she hade given a band, as her brother Robert Gordoun
had done befor, only to expede her mariage. The brethren ordayned the
said Mr. Alexander Fraser to deale with her, to instruct her, and catechise
her ; and ordayned the said Elspet, within six weeks, viz. the second
Sunday of August, to communicate ; with ccrtificatioun, if she failed ether
to require instructioun or resolutioun, or resorted not to the kirk for hearing
of Godis word, or did not communicate the said day that wes appoynted,
they ordayned the proces of excoramunicatioun to proceid against her.

The said day, the gentlemen, elderis, deacones, and otheris, inhabitantis
of the paroche of Botruphnie, such as were present willinglie condiscendit
to give a firlot of wictuall out of each plough of old to a scoolemaister quho

32 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1642.

wold reid befor the sermon, and teach their bairnes. The brethren and rest
of the memberis of the presbyterie ordayned Mr. Alexander Fraser, their
minister, to provyde for a honest man for that effect, and not to be deficient,
seing the parochineris were so well willed.

At Rothemay, 12th Julij, 1642.

Mr. Alexander Innes taught his panitentiall sermon. His text was
Acts XX. 28, quher he refuted Episcopacie to be juris divini, and to be hot
humanum institutum. He gave good contentment both to the brethren and
to the parochinaris.

The said day, the brethren seing the Yle of Rothemay to be ruinous,
and finding that the Laird of Rothemay, by a speciall clause conteined in
the takis of the teyndis, is bound and obledged to wphold the samen ; ther-
for the brethren ordayned the said Mr, James Gordoun, minister ther, to
raise letteris against the Laird his factoris and curatoris to re-edifie the
samen.

The said day, it is appoyntit that no burialles shall be made within the
kirk of Rothemay, or in ony other kirk within the presbyterie, without pay-
ment of four libs, lair silver be the inhabitantis, and aight merkis be thoise
that are without the paroche, being of ripe age ; and that ewerie bairne
within seven yeiris of age pay tuentie shillingis ; and if they excede
seven, and be within fyfteine, to pay fourtie shillingis ; and all this to be
done befor the opening of the mould, or then a sufl&cient pledge consigned
for the samen.

John Imblauch, parochiner of Rothemay, for presenting the child of a
stranger to be baptized, without the advertising of the minister concerning
the veritie theirof. His censure is referrit to the minister and elderis of
Rothemay.

Mr. James Gordoun, minister, regrated that Margrat Gordoun, spous
to John Fordyce in Achincrive wes not ane ordinare hearer ; the said Mr.
James is ordayned to confer with her, and to vse all meanes possible for
her conversione befor he enter in proces with her, and as he findis her to
report to the presbyterie, that incaice she continue contumax she may be
censured.

At Abercherdor, 27th Julij, 1642. Visitation.
The Laird of Cromby regratit that the stool of repentance wes sett wp

1642.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 33

contiguie to his dask, and therfor desyred it to be removed to a mor com-
modious pairt of the kirk. The presbyterie ordayned the samen to be re-
moved thrie pendilingis further of, quherwith all parties wer pleased.

At Inverkithnie, 17th August, 1642.

It is ordayned that bletcheris of cloth on Sunday be censured as fornica-
touris ; ^d such as keipes not the dayes of examinatioun appoyntit, the
husband man and his wyflf, ilk on, to pay half a mark, cotteris and ser-
.vantis, 40d.

The said day, the brethren fand also the fabrik of the kirk well repaired,
windowes well glased, dores and pulpit colored with greene, be contribu-
tioun for the maist of the Laird of Frendraucht, quha hade given also a
pulpit cloth, tuo cupis, vorth aucht score libs, for the communion, and hade
erectit communion tables on his owin expenses.

Mr. Joseph Brody, minister at Keyth, and commissioner from the Pres-
bytery of Strabogy to the last Generall Assembly, holdin at St. Andrewis
the last Tuysday of July, returned, and his travellis and diligence was ap-
proved be the brethren. He reported that the next Generall Assembly
holdis at Edinburgh the first Vednesday of August, 1643 yeiris.

At Rynie, 1"- Septembris, 1642.

Mr. Henry Ros, minister, being removed, and the elderis being suorne
quhat they knew concerning the said Mr. Henry, or quhat might inable him
in his ministrie, being posit, they deponed, on their oath, all in ane woyce,
that concerning his literature he was werie weake, and gave them litle or
no confort in his ministrie ; hot, as concerning his life, he was mendit, and
was blameles now in his conversatioun. The said Mr. Henry regratit that
the parochineris frequentit not the church, nor assistit him in discipline,
bot despysit him, and that they hade no discipline, no sessione since Feb-
ruare last.

The parochineris required that a helper might be adjoyned to the said
Mr. Henry, and to that effect produced a presentatioun of the Marqueisse
of Huntlie, presenting Mr. George Chalmer to the locall stipend of Rynie
and Essie, reserving thrie hundreth raerkis, and tuellF bollis wictuall, with
manse and gleib of Rynie, to the said Mr. Henry dureing his lifetyrae. The
brethren, hawing red and considered the samen, thocht good to advyse
with the next synod, to be holdin at Elgin the first Tuysday of October

34 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1642.

nixt, concerning the nature of the said presentatioun ; and, in the meane
tyme, thocht meit that Mr. George Chalmer should enter to his tryallis.

John Cruikshank, in Keith, being sumondit to hawe answered for his
adulterie with Agnes Litlejohn, compeired not ; ordayned to be sumondit
pro 1^°-

The said day, it was ordayned that Nicolas Gordoun, good vyff of Glen-
gerak, parochiner of Keyth, and relict of wmquhill Captan Adam Gor-
doun, quho now was to be married with James Gordoun, son to Robert
Gordoun, bailyie of the Engzie, quho wer both suspect of religion, and
hade not communicate thir sundry yeiris bygane, that in no manner of
way Mr. Joseph Brody, minister at Keyth, grant the marriage, befor
they subscrive the common band of the presbyterie and communicate, as
he wilbe ansuerable for the samen.

At Gairtlie, 15th Septembris, 1642.
Compeired James Home, in Kinnore, being sumondit befor the presby-
terie this day, for his extraordinarie drunkennes, in tyme of divine
service, and therefter, out of his drunken humour, compeired befor the
session of Kinnore, publictlie railed both against minister and elderis,
being cited ther for the scandalizeing of Helen Bien, and saying quhat
hade he adoe to be troubled for a whoris taile. All that he hade sayd he
wold say it againe, and worse also ; and took wp a stra, and held it out
befor the session, and said he wold not give that stroe for all that they
could doe or say to him ; and that ther was non ther that wald cause him
to mak his repentance for ony thing that he hade said, quhich wes werified
to be of trueth be John Gordoun in Affleck, and Alexander Murray,
elderis, in Kiimor, quho wer send ther, in the name of the sessione, to
testifie the samen. The said James, being diverse tymes callit, compeired
not ; ordayned to be summondit, pro 1^°-^ with certificatioune, if he compeir
not, he shalbe censured but any further citatioune.

At Grange, 3'"- Novembris, 1642.
Compeired James Barclay, in Grange, and confessit adulterie with Elspet
Gray, in Cantly. Both are ordayned to make their publict repentance
in sackecloath, barefooted, tuentie sex Sabbothis, at the kirk dore, first
betuixt the second and third bell, and therefter wpon the stoole of repent-
ance.

1643.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 85

At Botarie, 14th December, 1642.

Compeirit John Ogilvie, younger of Miltoun, and being accusit of forni-
catioun with Margrat Adamesoun, at last he confessit the samen. He is
ordayned to pay thriescore libs, penaltie, and to stand seven Sundayes at
the pillar fit in sackcloath.

Compeired Mr. William Harper, bringing with him a letter from the
Laird of Frendraught, as also a testimoniall from the Presbitery of Mernis,
and another from the Session of Glenbervie, testifieing of his good life and
conversatioun, and of his frequent exercises both befor the presbytery and
in publict, quhervpon the Laird wes movit to mak petitoun for him to be ane
instructer of his children, and a catechizer of his familie, and therfor de-
syrit that the said Mr. William should be [admittit] to a present tryall,
conforrae to the order, that he might enter to his charge. The brethren
taking to their consideratioun the forsaid testimonialls, and the good re-
port givin to him therin contained, permittis him to enter to instruct the
Lairdis bairnes, and howsoone Mr. George Chalmer his tryall shall be
endit, they promised to admite the said Mr. William to the exercise.

Mr. George Chalmer ordayned to handle the common head, De ecclesia
an errare jiossit, and to give his theses against the next day.

At Botarie, 4^- Januar, 1643.

Anent the Lady Frendraucht her obedience to the kirk, it is ordayned that
Mr. Joseph Brodie, Mr. James Gordoun at Rothemay, and Mr. Richard
Maitland, requesting also Mr. William Douglas to accompanie them, that
they shall goe to the said Lady Frendraucht, and deale with her accordino-
to the ordinance of the Assembly, as also to report her finall answer ; and
for this effect, they are appoyntit to keip the seventeenth day of Januar
peremptorlie.

The said day, compeired Mr. William Douglas, minister at Forgie, in
name and behaltf of my Lord Wicount of Frendraucht, desyreing that the
processes of excomraunicatioun might proceid against Walter Wrquhart of
Cromby, and his complices, for the cruell murthering of his wraquhill
brother, William Chrightoune ; and sicklyke, the said Mr. William produced
a letter from the moderator of the Generall Assembly, and the clerk therof,
advyseing ws that incace the said Walter Wrquhart and his complices wer
fled [ ^ .]

36 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1643.

At Abercherdour, 11th July, 1643.

The said day, Mr. Richard Maitland did regrait Mr. William Harper
his malignant and vncharitable speeches to him, the last meeting at Keyth,
in presence of the presbitry ; also, in affirming he had ane commissioun
from the sessioun of Abercherdour, to signifie to the presbitrie that the
said Mr. Richard vas so rigorous in his cariage that he had lost the hearts
of all his people. Quhilk being denyed be all the members of the sessioun,
the said Mr. William at last pretendit ane commission to speak the forsaid
speeches from the Laird of Frendraught, quhilk he vas ordained to pro-
duce, the morrow at Inverkethny.

It is ordained that vhosoever elder salbe found familiarlie conversing
with James Con, salbe deposed, with ignominie, and therafter processed
befor the presbitry.

The Laird of Carnusie regraited to the bretherin the vant of a rowme
in the kirk for himself and his people, quhilk vas thoght verie reasonable
to be grantit both be the presbitry and sessioun ; and so, by mutuall con-
sent of all, the said Laird of Carnusie vas licenced to pleniss the
southsyde of the quire, from the quire door to the east gevill, abow and
below ; vith this provision, that Alexander Abernethie and his vyf sould
haue libertie to sitt and burie in a pert of the said rowme quher their desk
is for the present.

Lykvys, the minister protested, in Crowner Leslie his name, for accom-
modation to the said Crowner and his familie as Carnusie gott.

It is ordainit that the parochineris furniss the elements for the communion
to be celebrat the second tyme of the yeir, according to the act of the Ge-
nerall Assemblie at Glascow theranent.

Mr. Richard Maitland, and thes that ver sent vith him to the Lady of
Frendraught, reported that shoe promised to heir the vord, and desyred a
tyme for further resolutioune. The bretherin thoght meet that hir minister
vith Joseph Brodie sould yet speak hir, and sie if shoe void be a daylie
hearer, and keip familie vorship vith ye rest of the familie, then to giue
hir some short space, quhilk if shoe refused, the process to goe on
against hir.

At Innerkeithny, 12th July, 1643.
It being regraited be the minister, as also the rest of the bretherin, that

1643.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 37

the people on the Saboth day, quhen they come to the kirk, remained not
within the kirk betwixt the second and third bell in tyme of reiding the holie
scriptures, it is ordained that vhosoever, after due intimatioun and admoni-
tioun, be found guiltie of the forsaid fault, salbe punished as absents from
the kirk.

Compeired Mr. Henry Ross, vho, being found five severall dayes toge-
ther absent vithout any excuse, vas bitterlie rebuiked, and ordained to keip
better in tyme comming ; vith certificatioun, if he salbe found absent vithout
ane lawfull excuse sent to the presbitry the day of his absence, to be sus-
pendit, and if he continow absent as abefor, to be depry ved.

Compeired Mr. William Harper, and not being able to produce
any varrant or commission eyther from the session of Abercherdour
or from the Laird of Frendraught, quhilk he pretendit to haue had,
for his malicious speeches to Mr. Richard Maitland at the kirk of Keyth,
vas ordained, the next Saboth after sermon, to come befor the pulpit,
quhen the reider sail call vpon him, and ther vpon his knees sail humblie
acknowledge that he had offendit God and the minister by his malicious
and vncharitable speeches ; and therfor intreat the minister to pardon him
for quhat he had rashlie expressed, as also the vhole elderis for belying
them in pretending a varrant from them of quhat he had spoken, and yet
had none at all.

The said day being appoynted for choosing commissioneris to the Generall
Assemblie, Mr. Joseph Brodie and Alexander Ogilvie of Knock wer
chosen, be mutuall consent, the ministeris and ruling elderis. Nixt meeting
at Gairtly.

At Gairtlie, 26th July, 1643.

James Vatt in Bucharne, being summondit pro 3"- for his disobedience
to the session of Gairtlie, in not satisfieing for his going in pilgrimage
to vallis and chappellis, for not hearing the vord nor communicating,
called, compeired not. Ordained to pay eight merkis, and satisfie as an
adulterer.

Compeired George Michell, vho was referred to this meeting to answer
for his disturbing the session of Gairtlie, for hindering his vyf from satisfie-
ing their discipline for hir going to vallis and chappellis, and for thrusting
himself in a barbarous and rude maner befor the minister and elderis, not
being called, for vpbraiding George Gordoun in Colithie with many oppro-

38 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1643.

brous speeches, affirming that he void not be corrected be him, and desyred
him o-oe home and correct his cotteris, and that he sould meit in any part
quhair he pleased, vith vther such vnseemlie speeches not fitting for that
place. The said George denyed sundrie of the former particularis ; but the
mater being referred to the probatioun of James Gordon in Bogartie,
George Gordon in Hilhead, William Straquhen, Thomas Skinner, John
Cowper, Alexander Gordon, all elderis, vho, being suorn, all in on voice
deponit that the said George Michell entered in befor them, vncalled for, in
a verie rude and barbarous maner, and gaue sundrie opprobrious and inju-
rious speeches to the session, and in particular, to George Gordon in Coli-
thie, affirming that he void not be corrected by him, and that he had als
much money as himself, and he sould meet him quhair he pleased, and vent
out from the session vith threatning and menacing vordis. The bretherin,
considering the notable vrong done by him to the session, and in particular
to George Gordon, ordained him to mak his publict repentance in the kirk
of Gartlie the nixt Saboth, and to ask God, the session, and George Gor-
don, in particular, forgivnes, and to pey twenty libs, ad pios vsus ecclesiae to
their collector ; vith this restriction, that if he obey pleasantlie the forsaid
decreit to the contentment of the vhole sessioun, in that caice the session of
Gartlie sail haue pover to mitigat ten merkis of his penaltie ; and, incaice
of disobedience, ordaines the minister to goe on vith the censures of the
kirk.

The said day, George Michell gaue in a bill complaining on George
Gordon in Colithie for sclandering him ; but befor it was accepted, he vas
desyred to consigne a pledge to proue the same, according to the order,
answered, he saw no law for him heir, and void craw no law ; ye may decreit
quhat ye pleas, he vas not to obey, and he sould get a better forspeaker
ag'ainst the nixt day.

The commissioneris sent to the Lady Frendraught reportit that shoe had
promised to heir the vord as shoe had done befor. The commissioner vas
desyred to advys vith the Generall Assemblie heiranent.

At Botarie, 25th Octobris, 1643.
George Seifvright, in Acharn, being summoundit to this day for consult-
ing vith Janat Maconachie, ane suspectit vitch, concerning his vyf hir sick-
nes, quhom he brought to haue cured hir, compeired, and deponed that he
neuer knew hir to be suspect of vitchcraft, and that he neither desyred nor

1643.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 39

knew any charraes giffen by hir to his vyf. He vas rebuiked, and ordained
neuer to consult vith the lyk againe.

The said day, Mr. Richard Maitland delyvered to Mr. Joseph Brodie
three doloris for the releife of the distressed Irishes ; as also, Mr. Robert
Jamesone tuo, and Mr. Robert Vatson promised to giue him eight merkis
befor the nixt meeting for the same vse.

It is ordained that everie minister vithin the presbitry bring vith them to
the nixt meetting the names of their none communicants, as also the names
of all their excommunicat persons.

Compeired Patrick Duncan, in Mulderie, and being accused for scandel- Duncan.
Using the Presbitrie of Abernethie, in alledging that he had a varrand from
the forsaid presbitry to baptize children, and that he had alreadie baptized
one ; answered, it vas true he had said that out of mirriment, but denyed
that euer such a varrand vas giffen him from the said presbitry, and also
confessed he had baptized one child. The brethren [thought] good to re-
ferr him to the Presbytry of Abernithie for [censure], and ordained the said
Patrik to compeir befor them on [ ] presbiteriall day of Februarie.

Att Botarie, 10th November, 1643.

The said day, the moderator produced ane letter from the Presbitry of Gordone.
Turreff, desyring vs to process Anna Gordon for hir not conformitie, vho
fled from them, and is now in Lesmoir. Mr. George Chalmer reportit that
the said Anna Gordon had removed from Lesmoir ten dayes agoe, and that
he advertised Mr. Androw Massie, minister at Drumblett of hir removall
from vs, and hir present being vithin the Presbitry of Turreff. Mr. George
Chalmer ordained to summound hir befor the presbitry, to report a testi-
moniall of hir conformitie from Turreff, if shoe sail happin to return to
Lesmoir.

The said day, John Lyon of Mures, produced ane presentatioun from Meldrum.
my Lord Spynnie, nominating Mr. George Meldrum to the kirk of Glas,
quherof my Lord Spynnie pretendit a right of patronage, and took instru-
ment on his presentatioun in the handis of Patrick Stewart, notar publict,
and also protested that none sould be admittit to the forsaid place till the
right of patronage sould be decidit. Lykvys, Mr. James Gordoun, minister
at Kinnoir, in name of the Marques of Huntlie, and by varrand from him,
protested that for sameikle as the said Marquis of Huntlie and his predi-
cessoris had bein still reputed lawfuU and vndoubted patrons of the said

40 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1643.

kirk of Glas, and suchlyk had planted that kirk thrie seuerall tymes vithout
question or interruption, that the presbitry vould accept of no presentatioun
but such as vas giffen befor by the said Marquis, and that he adhered to the
presentatioun of that kirk alreadie giffen to Mr. William Sanderis, and
vpon this took instrument in the handis of Patrik Stewart, notar publict.

The said day, the moderator produced ane letter from the Commissioners
of the Generall Assemblie, requyring the care and diligence of the brethren
in vrging the subscription of the League and Covenant, the tenor quherof
followis : " Reuerend and loving brother, The Commissioneris hes returned
to vs the Solemne League and Covenant, as it is [approjven by the Parlia-
ment and Synod of divynes [ ] and solemnlie suorne
and subscrivit, quhilk ve f[ind agrees] vith that draught approuen by
[ ] and Convention of Estaitis [ ]
our last letter, and therfor hes ordained the same to be vniuersallie resaued,
suorne, and subscrivit vith all diligence, and hes prescribed to presbitries
order to proceed against thes that sail refuse or shift the samen, as our or-
dinance and act theranent printed befor the Covenant beareth. Ve ear-
nestlie recommend to your care the zealous performance of the particularis
contained in that act. The present danger of religion requyres it of yow.
The papistis now being in armes expecting forraine ayd, the cessation of
armes nov being concludit in Irland by authoritie, vith verie great advan-
tage to the rebellis, vho are treated vith as his Majesties Roman Catholick
subjectis. Much, brother, dependis at this tyme vpon your zeale, fidelitie,
and example ; and therfor, seing the pressing of so solemne a League and
Covenant is so conduceable a meane for promowing that intendit vork of
reformatioun and blissed vnion of the tuo l^ngdomes, and for strenthening
ourselfs and veakening and discouring our enimies, we beseech yow to be
carefull that this Covenant be reallie and religiouslie suorne and subscribit ;
and quher yow conceave ther may be any impediment or slaknes, that yov
send some of your number, ministeris and elderis, to countenance and assist
the actioun. For your further encouragement heirvnto, yow sail knov that
this day the Covenant hes bein verie solemnlie suorne and subscrivit heir in
the Eist Kirk of Edinburgh, by the Commissioneris of the Estaitis of this
kingdome, the Commissioneris of the Parliament of England, and vs, Com-
missioneris of the Generall Assemblie, in presence of the congregatioun.
The blissing of God that followed the renoving the Covenant in former
tymes, makes vs confident that if [we] turne to God vith all our heartis, and

1643.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 41

be stedfast in this Covenant, the Lord vill accompanie vs vith the same
blissing till his vork be brought to a happie conclusion. We commend yow
and all your labouris in this vork to the Lordis grace and assistance, and
remaines in him your loving bretherin, the commissioners of the Generall
Assemblie, Mr. Robert Douglas, moderator, in name of the commis-
sioneris. Edinburgh, October 13, 1643."

Compeired John Rind, and being accused for not frequenting Godis pub- Rind,
lict vorship, for not communicating, nor subscriving the Covenant, the said
John promised to be ane hearer of the vord, and tak the Covenant to reid
and consider the same, and to come to his minister for resolutioune of his
doubtis, and therafter to subscryv the same, vnder the paine of process to
goe against him.

James Hamiltoun being summounded to this day, compeired not, being
gone to the Boigge vith the Marquis of Huntlie, his master ; but the mi-
nister reportit that he had promised to compeir howsoon he came vithin the
boundis of the presbitery.

The moderator, vith Mr. James Gordon, minister at Kinnoir, ordained
to goe to Rothemay, and assist the minister for the provision of his school-
maister.

At Botarie, 29th November, 1643.

Mr. Joseph Brodie reportit that he had read and explained the Covenant Brodie.
in his church, and had gotten two hundred handis and aboue therto.

Mr. Robert Irving reportit that all his people had solemnlie subscryved Irving,
the Covenant.

Mr. James Gordoun reportit that he had red and explained the Covenant Gordone.
at both his kirkis, and requyred them nominatim at Dumbennand to sub-
scryv the same ; but they all in one voyce refused till vtheris vent befor them.

Mr. Alexander Fraser reportit that he had red and explained the Cove- Fraser.
nant, and had gotten no subscription. Ordained to vrge the same the next
day.

Mr. Robert Vatson reportit that he had red and explained the Covenant, Watsone.
and had gotten some handis, but the gentrie and most part of the commun-
alitie refused to subscryv till Thomas Innes of Pathnick sould first subscryv ;
as also, that George Geddes requyred the Covenant to pervse, and advyse
vith it, and send it back to the minister vith a privat subscription, vith the
addition for the king and protestant religion. The brethren thought the

F

42

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1643.

subscription null, and ordained the said George to suear and subscryv the
same publictlie in the church.

Mr. Richard Maitland reportit that all had subscrivit the Covenant
within his parochin except tuo.

Mr. George Chalmer reportit that he had [explained] the Covenant in
both his kirkis, and [would get the subscrijptionis the nixt Saboth.

Mr. William Reid reportit he had red and explained the Covenant, but
had gottin no subscriptions saue his owne.

Mr. Robart Jamesone reportit that he had red and explained the Cove-
nant in both his kirkis, and had appoyntit the nixt Saboth for subscryving
the same.

Mr. Patrick Glas is ordained to preache the nixt Saboth at the kirk of
Glas, and read and explaine the Covenant to that people ; and Mr. Alex-
ander Fraser is ordained to goe the nixt Saboth following, and requyr their
subscriptiouns.

The said day, the summoundis direct from vs, 13th September, charging
Walter Vrquhart of Crombie, James Vrquhart of Old Craig, Patrick
Meldrum, somtyme of Iden, and Adam Gordoun, their servant, to compeir
within thriescoir dayes before vs, to satisfie the discipline of the kirk for
their murthering of wmquhill Wilham Creichtoun, sone to the Laird of
Frendraught, vas brought back dulie execut and indorsit, be George Neill,
raessinger, at the marcat croce of Edinburgh, peir and shore, Leith. The
forsaid persons being three seuerall tymes called, compeired not. The bre-
therin ordained to giue them ane citation out of all their pulpitis to the next
presbiteriall day, viz. 20th December.

The bretherin gaue in the names of their excommunicat persons, viz. :

George Ellies.
Patrik Cheyn.

William Mair, in Gairtlie. Butter his spous.

John Leslie, in the parochin of
Dumbennand.

John Stichell, elder.

John Stichell, younger.

Thomas Stichell.

Thomas Baxter.

James Andersone.

John Richie.

Alexander Gordoun of Cairnbor-
row, in the parochin of Glas.

Cuttis his spous.

Vithin Botarie.
John Gordon, in Brodland.
Patrik Gordon, in Cairn [
Janat Dumbar, his spous.

In Ruthven.
Robert Gordon, in Carmellot.
John Gordon, in Litlemill.

].

1643.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 43

This forsaid catalogue vas delyvered to each brother, to mak intimatioun
therof out of their pulpitis against the next day.

The said day, the bretherin desyred the report of Mr. James Gordon Lady Stra-
and Mr. George Chalmer, anent the Lady Strabaine. Mr. James Gordon ^^"^'
answered, that he had neither leasur nor opportunitie to goe the lenth of
Lesmoir, quher the said lady residit, becaus of tuo commissiones that he
had bein vpon since the last meeting, viz., that anent the schoole of Ro-
themay and the gleib of Abercherdour ; but the said Mr. George reportit
hir answer to the presbitrie, viz., that shoe vas hot a stranger vithin this
kingdome, and ought to be reputed so, as having no kynd of being heir ;
and therfor that hir resolutioune vas, about the spring to remow from
this kingdome to hir owne dwelling, if it could be done vithout danger.
Quhilk answer the bretherin taking to their consideratioun, desyred that
the said Mr. George, inrespect of his charge, and residence within that
parochin, void forbid her the resett of any excommunicat persones quhat-
someuer, Jesuitis, or masse priestis, and to vatche her hous as nar-
rowlie as he could for that effect ; and during the tyme of hir abod heir,
to labour to persuad hir from poperie, how often he could haue occasion
of conference. And sicklyk, ordained Mr. James Gordoun to goe to
Lesmoir, with his first convenience, and assist the said Mr. George in the
premisses.

Suchlyk, the moderator reportit that the said John Rind had openlie
spoken, in the kirkyeard of Abercherdour, that the mutuall League and
Covenant vas the Marquis of Argyle his covenant, and that all that sub-
scryved the same vould be hanged ; quhich the presbitry desyred Mr.
James Gordoun to tell him, that he might compeir and clear himself the
next day, vthervayes the speeches to be holden pro confesso, and to be
proceidit against vith the censures of the kirk for ane and all.

Att Botarie, 20th December, 1643.
The said day, the vhole bretherin reportit that thei had mad citatioun
out of their pulpitis of Walter Wrquhart of Crombie, and his accom-
plices, vt supra, to this day. Being called, compeired not, the bretherin
having resolved to goe on vith their processis, according to the act of the
Generall Assemblie. Alexander Fraser of Philorth vreat to the presbitry, Fraser of
in name of James Vrquhart of Old Craige, and the rest of his freindis, P^'^*"'***'
offering obedience and reason to the presbitry of any thing the said James

44 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1643.

sould be found g-uiltie of, after just tryell ; for performance quherof the
said Alexander Fraser of Philorth had keiped this present meetting, if he
had not been deteined in Aberdein at the coraraittie ; and so desyred to
be acquant with the nixt day of meeting, quhilk he promised to keip, for
the effect forsaid. The bretherin, taking the mater to their considera-
tioun, thoght fitt to heir Philorth, and advertised him of their dyet.

Mr. Robert Jamesone reportit that he had solemnlie suorne and sub-
scryved the Covenant in presence of his people, and that ten in Botarie
and two in Ruthven had subscryvit with him ; and since that tyme, many
had come to him in privat, offerring their subscriptions, quhilk he refused
to accept but publictlie befor the congregatioun.

Mr. Joseph Brodie reportit that he had solemnlie subscryved the Cove-
nant in presence of his people, and that all his people had done the same,
except John Ogilvie of Miltoun, John Coupland of Haughes, and to the
number of fourtie or fyftie of the meaner sort, quherof some ver sick, some
ignorant, and some negligent.

Mr. William Reid reportit he had solemnlie subscrywed the Covenant
befor the congregatioun, and only ten of his people with him.

Mr. Robert Vatson reportit that he had subscryved the Covenant with
all religious solemnitie, and thirty-three of his congregatioun vith their own
handis, and about two hundreth with the clerkis hand.

Mr. Alexander Fraser reportit he had subscryved the Covenant pub-
lictlie befor his congregatioun, and that many of his people had subscryved
also, but had not suorne, and many not at all. The bretherin ordainit
the said Mr. Alexander to requyre ther oathes, the next Saboth, to ad-
here to ther subscriptiones, vthervayes their subscriptiones to be holden as
null.

Lykvys, the said Mr. Alexander reportit that he had gone and preached
at the kirk of Glas, and resawed the subscriptiones of the most part that
ver present, except John Gordoun of Innermerkie, vho refused becaus he
vas vithin the parochin of Mortlach.

Mr. James Gordoun reportit that he had subscryved the Covenant vith
all religious solemnities, and thes of his congregatioun vho ver present thir
tuo former dayes had subscryved also, and he hoped for the rest.

Mr. George Chalmer reportit that he had solemnlie subscrywed the
League and Covenant befor his congregatioun, and that my Lord Gordoun
being present, he requyred his lordship goe on befor the rest in good exam-

1644.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 45

pie, quhilk his lordship most villinglie assented to, and so not onlie solemn-
lie subscrywed the Covenant himself, but exhorted all that ver present to
doe the same, quhilk vas done.

Mr. James Gordoun, minister at Rothemay, reportit he had solemnlie
subscryved the Covenant, and had reseaved the subscriptions of forty or
fifty of his people, and expected the rest.

All the bretherin ordained to vrge a perfyct subscription of the vhole
congregatiouns against the next meetting, and to bring the names of their
none subscribentis, vnder their handis, to the presbitry.

Att Botarie, 10th January, 1644.

Compeired the said day, Alexander Fraser of Philorth, and Hew Fraser Fraser of
of Easter Tyrie, according to his promis in his former letter of the 10th Philorth.
Decembris, and in name of James Vrquhart of Old Craig, vhose curatour
he is ; and in respect the said James Vrquhart vas not vithin the kingdome
for the tyme, and vas ignorant of the process intendit against him, the said
Alexander Fraser earnestlie besought the bretherein that they void grant him
ane competent tyme to aduertise the said James Vrquhart his pupill, and to
bring him home to answer befor the presbitry for himself, quhich the said
Alexander Fraser of Philorth obleiged himself to performe, vpon conditioun
the bretherin vould suspend all process against the said James in the in-
terim. The bretherin, taken the said Alexander Fraser of Philorth his pe-
tition to their consideratioun, fand that they could not desist from the
forsaid process, inrespect of the late act of the Generall Assemblie com-
manding them to proceid, vnles thei had the advyse and approbatioun of
the Commissioneris of the General Assemblie thervnto. Quhervpon the
said Alexander Fraser of Philorth intreated the presbitry to signifie his just
request to the said Commissioneris in vreitt, and he void vndertak to report
their answer back to the presbitry against that day fyw veekis ; quhervnto
the presbitry accordit, and sent ther letter to the Commissioneris of the
Generall Assemblie vith the said Alexander Fraser of Philorth, requesting
him to get the report therof vith all diligence.

The said day, John Gordoun of Innermerkie requested for the same
courtesie to Patrik Meldrum, sumtyme of Iden, and promised in his name Mcldnini.
to bring him befor the presbitry, and to mak him satisfie the church disci-
pline for any delinquencie that might be layd to his charge.

The said day, John Gordoun of Innermerkie compeired, and produced

46 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1644.

ane presentatioun from the Marquis of Huntlie in fauoris of Mr. George
Meldrum, student of divinitie, designing him for the church of Glas, and
desyring the presbitry to admitt him to his tryellis, etc. ; and inrespect the
said Mr. George had accepted of ane presentatioun formerlie from my
Lord Spynnie, pretending right of patronage to that kirk, the said Mr.
George protested he adhered also to the presentatioun giffen be the Marquis
of Huntly.

Mr. William Reid reportit Mr. James Leith had satisfied their disci-
pline in penaltie and repentance, as a fornicator. Becaus the said Mr.
William had accepted of his satisfactioun in so light and perfunctorious a
vay, vithout the said Mr. James compeirance befor the presbitry, as it vas
ordained at the last meetting, the bretherin fand the said Mr. William
vorthy of censure ; and, having remowed him, it vas voyced that he be
sharplie rebuiked, vith certificatioun, if he coraraitt the lyk rashnes againe,
to be suspendlt from his ministrie.

The said day, compeired James Midltoun, in Tullobeg, and being ques-
tioned be the bretherin anent his scandellous prophanation of Godis hous,
by his quarrell and [ ] speeches to Mr. James Gordoun, his

minister, [ ] and the mater being

referred to the probatioun of vitnesses, viz., John Ingram, Androw Hardie,
Thomas Duff, all thrie being summondit to this day, compeired, and,
being admittit be the partie, ver suorne, and deponed as followes : That is
to say, that they had hard him say, quhen the minister chided him for his
ignorance, that he cared not for him nor any minister in Scotland, and bad
him come out to the churchyeard and try himself if he pleased. Also,
quhen the minister said he sould cause put him in joggis, that thei hard
him say that neither he nor the best minister vithin seven myles durst doe
so much. Suchlyk that, quhen the minister told him he vas vnvorthie to
come to the Lordis table, inrespect of his vant [of] preparatioun, that he
answered he cared not vhither he gott the sacrament or not. All this
being deponed, and lykvys that the said James vas drunk quhen he cam to
the kirk, quhervpon the bretherin ordained the said James Midltoun to
satisfie, in sackcloth, and to pey ten libs, penaltie. The said James, after
intimatioun of this ordinance, answered, in audience of the bretherin, that
he sould assoone goe hang himself as obey them in that kynd ; and therfor
Mr. James Gordoun vas ordained to begin process against him, incaice
of not satisfactioun.

1644.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 47

Att Botarie, vltimo Januarii, 1644.

Mr. George Meldrum ordained to exerceis the nixt day, and he of his
owne accord ofFerred to tak the additioun also, for the more facihtatins: his
tryellis, in respect of his farre distance, quhilk the bretherin accorded vnto.

Mr. James Gordoun, minister at Kinnoir, and Mr. George Chalmer, re-
ported that they had spoken the Lady Strabane anent hir conformitie, vho Lady Stra-
answered that shoe vas not to stay vithin the kingdome, but was to remow ^^^^'
vith the first occasion ; to that effect, had sent avay some of hir servantis to
Irland, of purpos to try and bring hir vord if shoe might vith securitie re-
turne back to her owne dwelhng ; and that shoe had promised in the interim
not to giue scandall either in resetting preists or excommunicat persons ; and
suchlyk, that if hir servantis quhom sho had sent to Irland did not find se-
curitie for hir repairing thither, then and in that caice shoe sould not refuse
instructioun, be vay of conference, from any vhom the presbitry pleased to
send to hir for that effect during the tyme of hir residence heir.

Att Botarie, 14th February, 1644.
Compeired Margaret Ogilvie, and being questioned in all the poyntis
of the bill giffen in be Richard Maitland against hir in manor following : —
1. If shoe had called Mr. Richard Maitland ane perjured man? Denyed
the same. 2. If shoe had averred his doingis ver contrarie to his conscience ?
Lykvys, 3. If shoe had vsed any imprecatiounis and cursing ? Denyed.
4. If shoe said the minister and elderis dealt partiallie and corruptlie in the
exerceise of their discipline ? quhich she confessed, becaus shoe had sub-
scryed no less against him. The rest that vas denyed vas referred to the
probatioun of witnesses, namlie, these same quhom shoe had brought to
prove hir own lybell against Mr. Richard, viz., John Finlasone, Thomas
Brov/ne, and James Begg ; all three being admitted and suorne, deponed as
efter followes, viz. : John Finlasone, reader at the said kirk, that he hard
hir say nothing quhill the minister vas in the pulpit but onlie a confused
noise ; but quhen shoe vas conveined befor the sessioun, he hard hir say
that the minister vas a perjured man, and that his doingis vas not according
to his conscience, and that both he and the sessioun ver partiall judges, and
vinked at greater faults vithin the parochin nor vas committed by hir, spe-
cially vithin the Laird of Frendraught his house. The other tuo vitnesses
deponeit conforme, and professit that they hard nothing shoe said in pub-
lict till shoe vas brought befor the sessioune. The bretherin, taking the

48 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1644.

mater to their consideratioun, ordained the said Margaret to mak hir re-
pentance, in sackcloth, to the contentment of the sessioun, and to pey
twenty Ubs. penaltie ; quherin if shoe failled, to be proceeded against as
contumacious, and disobedient to the voyce of the kirk. And this hir
sentence vas intimat to hirself ; and referred the mitigatioun therof to the
said Mr. Richard, upon her good cariage.

Christiane Hendersone, being sumonded to this day, for hir scandellous,
vngodlie, and unchristian speeches, in the churchyeard of Abercherdour,
called, compeired, confessed hir over sight in quhat shoe had done. Or-
dained to satisfie the sessioune their decreit for hir forsaid cariage.

Anent the forsaid declinator and bill giffen in be the said Margaret
Ogilvie against Mr. Richard Maitland, the said Margaret being put to it
to proue quhat shoe had subscryved vnder hir hand in the forsaid bill, an-
swered shoe had brought hir vitnessis vith hir, viz.^ John Finlasone, Thomas
Brown, and James Legge, vho ver able to proue any thing shoe had
alledged against the said Mr. Richard ; but, to facilitat the busines, shoe
desyred the bill to be red openlie in the said Mr. Ribhard his audience,
quhom shoe vas confident void deny none of it ; quhich being granted, the
presbitry to vnderstand how the said Mr. Richard vas guiltie of selling
pennance for money, shoe instanced that he had taken four dolouris from
vmquhill William Creichtoun, for his fornicatioun vith Rebecca Bruise,
and had never brought to publict repentance. Vnto quhich Mr. Richard
replyed, that quhat [ ] vas doe by the importunitie of the

sessioun, [who would] novayes consent that he sould goe to the pillar
[if he void] onlie confesse his fault openlie [ ] quhich

the said Mr. Richard alledgit he did, and that the said Rebecca, after
her fall, had left the parochin ; the tryell quherof vas referred to the
nixt visitatioun in Abercherdour. 2. Shoe manteined the said Mr. Richard
to be fraudulent, and to vse double dealling, in so farre as he had alledged
to the presbitrey the samen day to haue giffen hir a citatioun of com-
peirance, and caused cite hir at the kirk doore thervpon, quhen in effect
shoe had gottin none, quherin shoe appealled his own officiar to bear
vitness, being ther personallie present, who, indeid, confessed no lesse.
To the quhich, Mr. Richard answered, that he gaue ane express ordour to
the officiar for the citatioune of hir ; but the officiar, as said is, denyed,
alledging that he vas desyred to summond the vitnesses ; for the quhilk Mr.
Richard vas rebuiked, and ordained to haue a literall summond execut vpon

1644.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 49

the partie delinquent, vthervas the partie not to be called vpon in the
presbiteriall seat. 3. The said Margaret alledgit that he called hir
base quyne publictlie out of the pulpit; quhilk Mr. Richard denyed,
and the said Margaret could not proue that he spak any such thing of hir
in particular. The bretherin finding the lybell not prouen, ordainis the
said Margaret to satisfie vt supra, till the minister and elderis ver content
vith hir humiliatioun ; and, quhen the said Margaret salbe found to haue
obeyed the former decreit, at the last day of hir repentance, the bretherin
ordaines some vther minister to preach at Abercherdour, and absolue the
said Margaret, and publictlie declair how that Mr. Richard had fullie
cleired himself of the aspersiones layd to his charge be the said Margaret
Ogiluie.

The said day, ane bill vas direct from the Laird of Frendraught to the
bretherin of the presbitry, desyring them to search and try sundrie persons
vhom he suspected to be frameris of these reasons gifFen in against the ex-
communicatioun of Crombie and his accomplices, for the murthering of
umquhill William Creichtoun his sone ; but, seing that mater vas
agitat at the last Provinciall Assemblie, and by them referred to the
nixt, the bretherin referrs also to the provinciall the tryell of the saidis
persons.

The said day, Mr. Joseph Brodie produced ane letter from Mr. David Brodie.
Dalgliss, showing his diligence vith the processes of excommunicatioune left
with him be the said Mr. Joseph at the last Generall Assemblie, viz., that
he had delyvered their [ ] to the thesaurer deput, that ordour may

be gifFen for letteris of horning and captioune, vpon the Kings Majesties
charges ; and becaus he saw no appeirance of any executioune that vay
in haist, some of the ministrie and he did recommend to the Committie of
Estatis, that speedie course may be taken theranent, quhilk their lordships
hes promised to doe, and also promised to doe such lyk vith thes vhom the
presbitry had sent ouer presentlie.

Mr. George Meldrum ordained to haue ane popular sermon, Heb. 13,
V. 17, the nixt day.

At Botarie, 28th Februarii, 1644.
The said day, ane lettre vas produced from Alexander Fraser of Phi- Fraser of
lorth, showing that he could not returne the answer of the Commissioneris ^""orth.

G

60 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1644.

of the Generall Assemblie the last day of meeting, according to his promis,
inrespect he had sent south for that effect, but the committie vas not to sitt
doun till the twenty fifth Februarii last ; and now, lykvys, he had sent back
to attend ther meetting for ane answer, and sould returne the same vith all
possible diligence; and, vithall, requested the bretherin to continow the
process against James Vrquhart of Old Craige, till they resaued bak the
answer from the Committie of the Generall Assemblie : and, in caice that
they proceeded, he protested that quhat thei did in that processe, befor thei
receaw the answer aboue specified, may be referred to the Provinciall Assem-
blie and receive ther aduyse therin, as is at mor lenth contained in the said
letter. The bretherin, notvithstanding of the former request and protesta-
tioun, in obedience to the Act of the Generall Assemblie, thoght meet to
proceid to the second admonitioun against the nixt day.

Anent sorcereris and charmeris vithin the presbitry, none vas delated as
suspect, saue Issobell Malcolme, vho is continowed, vt supra^ to the plan-
tatioun of Glas ; and Patrik Malcolme, vho compeired this day, and also
vitnesses to proue quhat they knew of the said Patrik, viz.^ Alexander Gray,
Alexander [Chrystie]j Walter Brabner, parochineris of Grange, vho being
admitted be the partie and suorne, deponed as followes : 1. Alexander
Gray deponed that the said Patrik came to his hous and said to him. Since
[ ] he vas a labourer he had vanted the fusion of [his come], quhilk

had vantaged his neighbour fyw [ ] ; but if he void cans his vyf to

giue him a shirt, he sould mak him gett the fusioune of his corne againe.
Walter Brabner deponed that he said to him, Yow haue gottin vroung, and
yow know not quhat vay. Lykvys, the said Valter deponed that he, being
door neighbour to Alexander Chrystie, saw the clodding and fearfull trouble
raised in that hous, and continowed for the space of twenty dayes ; quhilk
ves thus occasioned, that ther vas a servant voman vith the said Alexander
Chrystie, quhom the said Patrik desyred to goe vith him, and, vpon hir
refusall, he told hir that shoe sould not vinne hir fie that yeir, and
lykvys told hir quhat shoe had in the ambrie, it being closed ; quhervpon
the clodding begud that same night, and continowed till thei ver forced to
remow the said vomen out of the hous. Alexander Chrystie deponed that
Patrik Malcolme come and ludged in his hous, quher he vrged his servant
voman, Margaret Barbour, to committ filthines vith him (as the voman de-
clared), and requyred hir left foot shoe and he sould cause hir follow him,

1644.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 51

quhilk the voraan refusing, the clodding begud, and continowed till shoe vas
remowed.

Compeired John Maltman, in Botarie, and deponed that the said Patrik
came to his hous and asked milk from his vyfe, and scho, having none for the
tyme, refused him, for the quhilk the said Patrik promised to doe them ane
ewill turne ; quhervpon ane damosell vent out to milk ane cow, quhilk cow,
as soon as shoe tuoched hir for that end, fell down and died. The bretherin
having hard the former depositiounis, thoght fittest to continow the said
Patrik a month, that euerie minister might try quhat else he could learn of
the said Patrik, and summoundit the said Patrik, apud acta, to compeir be-
for the presbitry this day moneth, vith certificatioune, if he compeir not, he
sould be declared guiltie, and tak the crime vpon him.

The said day, it was regraited be Mr. Robert Watsone that ther vas
neid fyre raysed vithin his parochin of Grange for the curing of cattell, etc.
The bretherin thoght to referr the mater to the consideratioun of the
Provinciall Assemblie.

At Botarie, 12th Martii, 1644.

Mr. George Meldrum handled the controuersie, De formali causa justi- Meldnim.
ficationis. Vas approuen.

The said day, the moderator produced ane letter from the Commissioneris
of the Generall Assemblie for the keiping of a fast the first Vedensday
after the sight therof ; as also, the Actis of the last Generall Assemblie
ver destributed to everie minister vithin the presbitry, and euerie one or-
dained to bring thirteen shillings and fourpence the next day, to pey them.
The said day, it vas demandit be some of the bretherin if these vho had not
subscrywed the League and Covenant sould be admitted to the holie sacra-
ment of the Lordis Supper. The determinatioun of this referred to the
Provinciall Assemblie, inrespect some vholl congregatiouns (except so few)
had not subscryued the same.

The bretherin reported that all of them had giuen the second admoni-
tioun to the murdereris of wmquhill Wiliam Creichtoun, sone to the Laird
of Frendraught, and ordained to giue the third admonitioun against the
nixt day.

Att Botarie, 27th [March, 1644.]
The said day, Mr. George Meldrum sustained publict dispute of his Meldrum.

52

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1644.

theses, being appugned be the bretheren. and lykvys sustained ane ques-
tionarie tryall in the groundis of divinitie and chronologic ; as also, gaue
notice quhat knowledge he had in the originall tongues ; quherin all he gaue
the bretherin satissfactioun, and ver content vith quhat they had hard al-
readie of him in his former tryallis, and therfor hes appoyntit the nixt
meetting to be at Glas, the seventeenth ApriKs, for his ordinatioun and ad-
missione to the ministrie, and ordained the moderator, Mr. Robert Vatsone,
to preach the said day.

The said day, compeired George Calder of Assuanlie, younger, vith ane
supplicatioun from the parochineris of Glas for the said Mr. George Mel-
drum to be their minister, and to keip vith them Sabothlie intymcoming,
inrespect of the great desolatioun that is in the parochin by reason of long
vacancie of their church.

The said day, Mr. George Meldrum produced his testimonial! from the
presbitry of Aberdein, giuing euidence of his honest and pious conversa-
tioun among them during his abod, as also testifieing his publict exercising
in the said presbitry to their great contentment.

The said day, the bretherin reported they had giffen the third admoni-
tioune to the murthereris of vmquhill Villiam Creichtone. The bretherin
having resolued to proceid to prayeris for the said murthereris, ther vas
presented tuo letteris to the presbitry, one from James Vrquhart of Old
Craig, ane vther from Patrik Meldrum, sometyme of Iden, quherin they
offer satisfactioune for quhat they haue transgressed. The bretherin
thoght fitt to continow this one Saboth till advyse of the provinciall anent
the said letteris.

The said day, it vas regraited be the bretherin that they could not get
burialls in kirkis restrained, according to the Act of the Generall Assem-
blie mad theranent. The same regrait referred to the Provincial Assem-
blie to get ther aduyse theranent.

Patrik Malcolmie being summounded, apud acta, twenty-eighth Februarii,
to keip this day, vnder paine the forsaid crymes layed to his charge sould
be holden jjro confesso, and himself declared guiltie of sorcerie, called.
Compeired not, but vas declared to haue fled the countrie, and so to haue
taken the crime vpon him. The brethren ordained to try if he ver vithin
the boundis of the presbitry, and to report the nixt day.

The said day, Mr. George Chalmer reported that the Lady Strabaine
hir seruantis, sent to Irland to try if her La [dy ship] could haue a peacable

1644.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 53

settling in hir owne countrey, vas returned, and declared hir towne to be
rebuilding, and so hir ladyship ves addressing hir self for hir remowall vith
all convenient diligence.

Att Glas, 24th Aprihs, 1644.
, The said day being appoynted for the admissioun of Mr. George Mel- Meldrum.
drum to the ministrie of the said kirk of Glas, vho had giuen sufficient
proof of his qualificatioune and literature in all poyntis of his private
tryallis ; and ane edict being servit and indorsat, conforme to the ordi-
nance of the presbytrie, and none compeiring on the contrair, and at the
speciall desyre of the parochineris of the said parochin, the said Mr. George
vas admitted minister, be incalling of the [name of God] and impositioun of
handis, as the man[er of giving] power vnder Christ to preach the vord,
administrat the sacramentis, and exercise discipline at the said kirk of Glas,
vho gaue his oath of faithfull administratioun and dutifull obedience to the
Kingis Soueraigne Majestie, and submission to the government of the
Church of Scotland and his bretheren, vho thervpon gaue him the right
hand of fellowship and the parochineris acceptatioun.

It being enquyred concerning the sessioun book and vther raonumentis
belonging to the kirk of Glas in the handis of the relict of wmquhill Mr.
William Milne and his airis, ther vas onlie found ane sessioune book, vith
a bassen for baptisme, ane box and tuo dolouris money therin, quhilk vas
delyuered to the said Mr. George, and the keyes of the box continowed in
the handis of the collectoris.

The said day, Mr. George Meldrum vas ordained to processe Isso-
bell Malcome, sorcerer, conforme to the ordinance of the Provincial As-
semblie.

Anent the referr of the Provinciall Assemblie for giuing in a list of
able men from euerie parochin, for to be insert in a commission for sor-
cereris and charjmeris, the bretheren gaue in as foUowes, viz. : for Keyth,
Alexander Ogilvie of Kempkairne and William Gordon in Newmilne ; for
Grange, Thomas Innes of Pathnik and Mr. William Stewart in Echres ;
for Abercherdour, the Laird of Frendraught and Carnusic ; for Inuerkeith-
nie, George Spens and George Sinklar ; for Rothemay, the Laird of Ro-
themay and John Fordyco ; for Kinnoir, John Gordoun of Artlach ; for
Botarie, the Laird of Petlurge ; for Botruphnie, Adam Duff of Drum-
muir ; for Rynnie and Essie, Alexander Gordoun of Merdrum; for Glas,

54 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1644-

John Gordone of Inuermarkie and George Calder of Assuenlie ; for Gart-
lie, Walter Hacket and John Leith of Bucharne.

The said day, the bretheren being enquyred be the moderator how farr
they had proeeidit in the process against James Vrquhart of Old Craig ;
Patrick Meldrum, somtyme of Iden ; and Adam Gordoun, for the slaughter
of wmquhill William Creichtone, answered, all in one voyce, that they had
giffen three publict admontions, and some had proeeidit vith tuo publict
prayers. In the meane tyrae, compeired Mr. William Stewart, nottar publicit
in Fraserisbrugh, in name and behalf of the said James Vrquhart, and of the
Ryght Honorabill Alexander Fraser of Philorth, offerring, in ther names,
that the said James Vrquhart sould compeir vithin a competent tyme, and
sould justifie his owne innocencie befor any civill or ecclesiasticall judica-
torie vithin the kingdome, and if he wer found guiltie, to vnderly the cen-
sure of the presbytrie, quhilk the said Alexander Fraser of Philorth did
vndertak for [him], provyding he gote such competent tyme, as he [might]
acquant the said James Vrquhart heirvith, he being for the tyme out of the
countrey ; and so he protested, be his letter, that the bretheren void vse no
new practise against the said James Vrquhart, but that they void proceid
according to the ordour of processe sett doun in the Book of Discipline
(quhilk ordaines, befor excommunicatioune, that the minister sail enquyre
if the partie, or any friend in his name, will promis satisfactioun, that then
the processe sail desist). Therfor, according to that ordour, he humblie
desyred, in the said James name, to haue a competent tyme for his com-
pearance, quherthrogh he might remow that scandell ; lykas, the said
James alreadie, be his owne letter, wreittin to the Presbytrie of Strath-
bogie, of the dait at York, the twentieth of Februarie, 1644, had offerred
als much, as the forsaid letter at more lenth bears. And incase that the
bretheren void insist and reject the forsaid offer, the said Mr. William
Stewart, in name forsaid, did appeale to the nixt Generall Assemblie, ther
to resaw ther determination in the said processe ; and, in the mean tym,
protested that they sould proceid no further against the said James
Vrquhart till the Generall Assemblie sould determin heirin. And incaice
that they proeeidit any further, he protested ther proceiding sould be null,
inrespect of their offer to produce the partie befor the civill and ecclesiasti-
call judge. And the said Mr. William Stewart produced ane letter, vreitten
and subscrywed be the said Alexander Fraser, for his warrand, bearing the
particulars aboue specified, and desyred the said protestatioun and appella-

1644.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 55

tioun to be insert in the presbytrie bookis, and to haue ane act thervpon.
The bretheren, taking the mater to ther consideratioun, findis that they
haue not power to grant any continowatioun, both in respect of the com-
mand of the Generall Assemblie and Synod of Murray to proceid heirin
Instanter. Nevertheles, the bretheren promised the sentence sould not be
pronunced till the [ ] Maij nixt, that Philorth might acquant the

r ] of the generall heirvith, that according to their [ ]

the presbitry might proceid, and ordained Mr. George Chalmer, clerk to
the presbitrie, to insert the act in the presbitrie book, and giue the said Mr.
William Stewart the extract heirof, according to his desyr.

The said day, gryt drunkenes and prophanatioun of the Lordis day vas Meldrum.
regraited be the elderis of Glas to be vithin the parochin since the death of
vmquhill Mr. William Miln, ther minister. Mr. George Meldrum ordained
to censure the same severlie, and their fornicatoris to pey four merkis. The
nixt meeting at Botarie, fifteenth Maij. Mr. George Chalmer exerceises;
Mr. Henrie Ross adds.

Att Botarie, 15th Maij, 1644.

Mr. Robert Irving excused for his last absence.

The said day, it vas inquired be some of the bretheren if they sould re-
saue subscriptions to the League and Covenant, since they had sent south
the names of all their non subscribents, and now, quhen they ver to admi-
nister the sacrament of the Lordis Supper, some did offer to subscryv.
The bretherin thoght meet to continow all of that sort to the advyse of the
Assemblie.

The said day, the bretheren reported that all of them had closed the James Vrqu-

processe of James Vrquhart of Old Craige ; Patrik Meldrum, somtvme of '^^ . ,

T 1*1/^1 /-v 1 1 p • • associats cx-

Iden ; and Adam Gordoun. Quhervpon the sentence oi excommunication communicate.

vas pronunced against them be the moderator, and everie brother ordained

to intimat the said sentence in their seuerall pulpitis the nixt Saboth, and

to report their diligence the nixt day.

The said day, Mr. James Gordoun, at Kinnor, informit the bretheren

that Arthur Duncan vas cohabiting in fornicatioun with Christian Rind,

and that it was surmised they ver married be a masse preist. The bretheren,

considering that the Actis of our Generall Assemblie declares all such

marriages to be null, ordained Mr. James to summond them both to the

nixt day.

56 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1644.

The said day, Mr. Robert Jaraesone, Mr. Robert Vatson, Mr. Richard
Maitland, on the leitis for going in commissioune to the Generall Assem-
blie, and the Lord Gordon and Laird of Kempkairne, for ruling elderis to
the said Assemblie. Mr. Richard Maitland and the Lord Gordon ver
chosen, be pluralitie of voyces, to keep the Assemblie the nixt meeting, the
twenty-ninth Maij. Mr. James Gordon, at Rotheraay, exerceises, and Mr.
Alexander Fraser adds.

Att Botarie, 29th Maij, 1644.
and Conveined the moderator and remanent bretheren. Mr. Henrie Ross,
Mr. George Chalmer, Mr. Robert Irving, absent. Mr. James Gordoun at
Rothemay exercised. Mr Alexander Fraser addit, 1 Cor. 1, v. 3. Ther
travailis allowed.

The said day vas presented ane letter from the commissioners of the
Generall Assemblie, of the daitt twelfth Aprilis, 1644, shewing their ordin-
ance to Mr. Johne Adamsone, minister at Edinburgh, to excommunicate
sumarlie George Marques of Huntlie ; Alexander Irving, younger of
Drum ; Robert Irving, his brother ; Sir Johne Gordoun of Haddo ;
William Seatone of Schethine ; William Innes of Tippertie ; Mr. James
Kennedy, servitor to the said Marques ; and Thomas Hay, servitor to the
said Sir Johne Gordoun, for their rebellious conspiracie and insurrec-
tioune against this kirk and kingdome ; as also, shewing the performance
of the said ordinance be Mr. Johne Adamsone, on the fourteenth Aprilis,
in the East Kirk of Edinburgh, and so desyring intimatioun of the said
sentence to be mad throgh all our kirkis, quhilk the bretheren ver ordained
to doe the nixt Saboth, and to report their diligence the nixt day.

Lykvys, the said day vas presented ane letter from the clerk of the Com-
missioun of the Generall Assemblie, relative to ane act of the Comittie of
Estaitis of the daitt eighth Mali, requyring the comitties of warr in the seue-
rall shyres to nominat and delyver to the ministeris ane man to be furnished
be the ministeris for the present expeditioun to England ; quhilk act the bre-
theren being willing to obtemperate, resolued to present befor the commit-
ties, and vpon ther presenting of the men, promised to furnish them vith
levye money and armes, according to the ordinance.

The bretheren reported that all of them had intimate the excommunica-
tioun of James Vrquhart of Old Craig, Patrik Meldrum, somtyme of Iden,
and Adam Gordoun.

1644.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 57

The said day, William Gib, Janat Harper, his vyf, William Turtry, Gib, Harper
George Morrison, Jean Vyld, Robert Shand, Janat Harper, parochineris of X"'"'?''^'
Rothemay, being sumonded for their ryotous drinking and prophanatioun Vvld.
of the Lordis day, by tulzieing, being a day also of solemne humiliatioun,
compeired. The mater being referred to probatioun, vas not onlie proven,
but lykvys confessed be the most part of themselfs ; vas ordained to satisfie
as followes, viz. : Robert Shand, for his cariage the said day, in drinking
and keiping companie vith the rest that ver excessivlie drunk, ordained to
satisfie as ane fornicatour ; William Gib, for leaning the sermon, and drink-
ing and tulzieing vnder night, ordained to stand three Saboths in sackcloth,
and pey ten merkis ; Janat Harper, for selling drink vnder night, drinking
and tulzieing vith the rest, ordained to satisfie as ane adultress in repent-
ance, and pey eight merkis ; and George Morrison to satisfie as ane adul-
terer, and pey eight merkis.

The said day, Arthour Duncan and Christan Rind, being sumonded for Duncan and
recept of masse preistis, for solemnizing ther mariage be a masse preist, ^"^*
called, compeired not. Ordained to be summondit pro 2"-

Att Botarie, 12th Junij, 1644.

The said day, Mr. William Reid handled the controversie, De invocatione
sanctorum. His travaillis allowed.

The said day, vas presented ane letter from the commissioneris of the Ge-
nerall Assemblie, of the dait twenty-seventh April, declaring the excommuni-
catioun of James Earle of Montros, Lodvick Earl of Crawford, Robert Earl
of Nidsdaill, James Vicount of Aboyne, James Lord Ogilvie, and John
Lord Herries, for their rebellious invading of their native kingdome in the
south vith all hostilitie, quhilk vas done be Mr. John [ ], minister at

Edinburgh, the twenty-sixth Aprilis, according to the ordinance of the com-
missioneris of the Generall Assemblie, and desyring the said sentence to
be intimat throgh all the kirkis the first Saboth efter the said aduertisment
come to our handis.

The said day, the bretheren reported they had made publict intimatioune
of the excommunicatioune of the Marques of Huntlie and his adherentis in
ther present rebellioun in the north, vt snpra.

Compeired Arthur Duncan, and being accused for rcsawing the bencfitt Duncan.
of mariage from a masse preist, denyed the same, and offerred to giue his
oath thervpon ; and being accused for scandellous conversing in Christan

H

58 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1644.

Rind hir hous, not being raaried vith hir, confessed the same, and submitted
himself to the presbytrie for quhat he had done. The bretheren referred
him to the sessioun of Dumbennand.

Att Rynnie, 27th Junij, 1644.

The said day, the minister regraited the gryt prophanatioune of the
Lordis day, by bleiching of cloth, drinking, and not keiping the examina-
tiouns on the Saboth afternoone. They ver ordained to satisfie as adul-
terers ; and the not keipers of the examinatiouns on the Lordis day to
satisfie as absents from the kirk.

The said day, the bretheren reported that all of them had intimat the ex-
communicatioun of Montros and his associatis, vt supra.

Mr. Richard Maitland, commissioner to the Generall Assemblie, being
returned, reported he had delyvered James Murray his forty shillings, and
for the Covenant, four shillings, quhervpon he produced the said James
his tiket of recept.

Lykvys he reported that the not subscribents of the League and Cove-
nant ver ordained be the Generall Assemblie to be processed befor the
presbitry ; and such as vent out in this rebellion vith the Marques of Huntlie,
to be tryed and censured be the presbytrie.

At Dumbennand, 17th July, 1644.

The minister reported they haue a lauer for baptisme cups, for the commu-
nion, and linings for the same vse, dedicat be the Lady Marques of Huntlie.

Ther vas no scoole found at Dumbennand, quhilk the presbytry thoght
meet to be amendit ; and the vhole elderis promised ane firlote victuall of
everie pleugh vithin the parochin, or then twenty shillings, for manteining
ane scoole ; and the scoole ordained to be at Rawes of Huntlie ; and the pa-
rochin of Kinnoir ordained to concurre vith them in the said comon cause.

Att Rothemay, vltimo July, 1644.
The said day, it vas regraited the Lady Rothemay communicat not, nor
yet many of hir faniilie, and that scho keips the church onlie in the summer
tyme. The said Lady being for the tyme in Aberdene, the bretheren
thoght meet that vpon hir returne, Mr. Joseph Brodie, Mr. James Gordoun
at Kinnoir, sould goe vith hir owne minister, and desyr hir to communicat
primo quoque tempore, vthervayes that the processe vould goe on against her.

1644.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 59

Corapelred Michaell Wreight, manslayer of Robert Knight, vho being Wreight.
resident in Keyth for the tyrne, and was most villing to satisfie the church,
and seing he could not haue tutum accessum to Inch, quher the same vas
committed, Mr. Alexander Ross declared that ther presbytrie ver content
that he sould mak his publict repentance in Keith and Grange, quhilk the
said Michaell vas ordained to begin the next Saboth.

The said day, vas presented ane letter from the Commissioneris of the
Generall Assemblie, of the daitt thirteenth July, schewing the great mercie
of God tovardis our armie in their late encounter with Prince Rupert his
armie, second July, at Long Marstoun, four raylis from York, quher they
obtained a singular victorie, for quhich cans solemn e thankis vas giffen
to God for so great a benefit throughout the armie, seventh July, and so
the presbytrie, vith the armie, desyred the same might be done heir in all
the congregatiouns of Godis people, quhilk euerie brother vas ordained to
intimat the nixt Saboth, and keip the said thankisgiuing the Saboth en-
sueing.

Att Abercherdour, 14th August, 1644.

The minister, Mr. Richard Maitland, remowed and censured ; the elderis
being suorne, and seuerallie posed concerning his doctrine, lyf, and conver-
satioune, gaue him, in one voyce, approbatioun in all.

The minister regraited that some of his elderis keiped not orderlie, nor
walked not as became men of their office, viz., Robert Creichtouu of Cors-
kie, John Abernethie. The bretheren thoght meet thes tuo elderis sould
be suspendit from their office to the presbytrie their further pleasur.

The minister regraited the vant of the Laird of Frendraught and Car-
nusie their concurrence to his discipline. The bretheren thoght fitt to send
Mr. Joseph Brodie, Mr. Robert Watsone, vith Knockorth, commissioneris,
to ask the laird his reason of not keiping vith his minister and assisting his
discipline.

Att Gairtlie, 20th August, 1644.

The said day, vas presented ane letter from the Commissioneris of the

Generall Assemblie, daitted vltimo Julii, requyring the bretheren vho had

not sent furth ther men to the expeditioune in England, to give forty libs.

to the captainis, or any having power from Colonel Askein to vplift the same.

60 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1644.

The bretheren resolued to obey the former Act of the Committie, and to
adhere to the same, be reasone they had provyded armes alreadie, and had
presented the said Act befor the Comittie of Aberdein and Bamf, and took
instrument thervpon, [ ] ver in readines to furnish ther men [ ]

presented to them be the said Committie.

Mr. George Meldrum ordained [ ] Issobell Malcome hir

processe.

The said day, vas presented ane letter from the Presbytrie of Brechin,
regraiting that Mr. Richard Maitland had giuen the benefit of mariage to
the Lord Oliphant, befor his satisfactioun to the discipline of Montros for
his fornicatioun committed in the said brugh, and therfor desyring the
bretheren to try the said mater, and to tak such course theranent as may
proue satisfactorie to the discipline of the kirk. The bretheren referred
the tryall of the said mater to Mr. Richard his oune presence the nixt day
of meeting.

Att Botarie, 11th Septembris, 1644.
Anent the regrait of- the Presbytrie of Brechen against Mr. Richard
Maitland for marieing the Lord Oliphant vithout a testimoniall from Mon-
trois, quhervnto the said Mr. Richard answered, that he had not gone on
to the solemnizing of that mariage befor he had vreitten to the minister of
Munros to goe on in the proclamatioun of his bandis vith him pari passu,
and being informed vith their proceeding in the said proclamatioun, and no
answer being returned, nor impediment mentioned be any letter from Mun-
ros, he took the Laird Frendraught and Lord Oliphant obleiged, vnder a
pecuniall sowme, that the said Lord Oliphant sould satisfie their discipline
in quhat they could lay to his charge, quhervpon he proceedit, at the ear-
nest desyr of the Laird of Frendraught, to the solemnizing of the mariage,
and also that Oliphant sould report his testimoniall from Muntros vith all
diligence.

Att Botarie, 25th Septembris, 1644.

The said day, no doctrine, inrespect the exerceiser vas abstracted throgh
the troubles of the tyme, and for fear of Irish armie, vas forced to leaue
ther houses.

The said day, it vas enquyred be one of the bretheren if it be lawfuU,

1645.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 61

for alledgit socerie, to tak the suspect persons oath, quhilk vas alledgit
to be the practise of some bretheren vithin the province. The bretheren
thoffht not such courses lawfull ; referred the consideratioun heirof to the
provinciall.

Att Botarie, 21st November, 1644.

The said day, Mr. Joseph Brodie having returned from the Assemblie,
reported ther vas a Commission appoynted to meet at Forress, the second
Tuysday of Januar, 1645, for plantatioun of the kirk of Elgin, and some
other particulars, quher the rest of the bretheren vho ver absent in Elgin
ver ordained to keip.

The said day, the moderator produced ten copies of the principall acts
of the last Generall Assemblie, and destributed the same to the bretheren,
and desyred them to bring their pryces the nixt [day] viz., ten shillings for
everie on copie.

Att Botarie, 11th December, 1644.
The said day, it vas regrated that the publict fastis on veek dayes vas not
so Weill keiped be nfany as it ought, inrespect many abstaines not from
their service vork on such dayes. Quhervpon it vas ordained vorkers on
the day of publict fast sould be censured as Saboth breakers.

Att Botarie, 1st January, 1645.

Mr. Robert Irving handled the controversie, De libera arbitrio. His
travaillis allowed.

The said day, the moderator reported, since the last meeting, ther vas
ane advertisment from the Commissioners of the Generall Assemblie, to
his hand, containing the indiction of ane Generall Assemblie, to meet at
Edinburgh, the 22d of this instant, speciallie for cognoscing the directorie
of worship and order of kirk government, quhich vas come doun vith some
of our commissioners from London, and therfor ordaining, vith all expedi-
tioun, to mak choise of our commissioners, to be sent to Edinburgh at
the tyme appoynted ; and, vithall, to keip a publict fast, the first Lordis
day of January, both for a happie close to this ensuing Assemblie, and
also a blissing vpon the procedour of the Parliament, quhilk vas to sitt
doun the first Tuysday, Januarij, quherof having aduertised the bretheren
seuerallie to mak intimatioun in their pulpitis of the said fast, they re-

62 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1645.

ported this day they had all obeyed, and had giuen notice therof to thair
people.

The said day, the bretheren proceedit to the electioun of their commis-
sioners. They put vpon the list Mr. Joseph Brodie, minister at Keyth,
and Mr. Robert Watsone, minister at Grange, for the ministrie ; and for
ruling elderis, George Lord Gordoun and the Laird of Kempkairne. The
bretheren being resolued to send but one minister and a ruling elder, mad
choyse of Mr. Brodie and my Lord Gordoun for their commissioners.

The said [day] Mr. Robert Irving excused his absence.

Att Botarie, 18th Februarii, 1645.
No meetting, becaus of the enimie vas for the tyme vithin the boundis
of the presbytrie, so that the bretheren could not saiflie convein together ;
but the moderator, by letter, desyred the bretheren to meet that day
fourtein dayes.

Att Botarie, 5th Martii, 1645.
No meetting, for the reason forsaid ; and, besydes, the vhole bretheren
ver forced to flie from their houses.

Att Botarie, 19th Martii, 1645.
Conveined, the moderator, and tuo of the bretheren nixt adjacent ; all
the rest being absent, becaus of the broknes of the countrey, and some of
them scarclie yet returned to their owne houses ; and appoynted that day
eight dayes for a more plenarie convention, and the moderator to advyse
the rest of the bretheren for that effect.

Att Botarie, 26th Martii, 1645.
Conveined, the moderator, and Mr. Robert Jamesone, Mr. George
Chalraer, Mr. George Meldrum ; all the rest absent, vpon the report of
some two or three hundreth Highlanders, vho ver sorning and plundring
vithin the boundis of the presbytrie, vnder pretext of guarding the Earle
of Airlie, vho vas at Huntlie for the tyme.

Att Botarie, 2d Aprilis, 1645.
The said day, Mr. Joseph Brodie, commissioner, returned, and, being
asked of his diligence, quhilk he having reported, vas fund faithfuU in his
commission.

1645.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 63

The said day, the commissioner reported that ther vas ane supplicatioun
giuen in to the Generall Assemblie be the Presbytrie of Turreff, requyring
the church of Innerkethnie and Abercherdour to be joyned to thair number,
and that he had supplicat for such kirkis as of old belonged to the Province
of Murray and Presbytrie of Strathbogie, viz., the Presbytrie of Fordyce,
the church of Forge and Mortlach, [which] being red and considered, vas
referred to the comittie, to be holden at Aberdein, for the visitatioun of
the [ ] in May nixt.

The said day, Mr. Joseph Brodie declared he had vsed all meanis for
going ouer Spey, to have keiped the Provinciall Assembly ; and for that
effect had wreitten to Buckie for passage, and vas refused, as his letter
theranent produced beares.

Att Botarie, 16th Aprilis, 1645.
Conveined, the moderator, and on or tuo vith him ; the rest absent, in-
respect of the gryt troubles of the countrey. Quhervpon it vas concludit
be such as ver present, that they sould meet the nixt Vedensday ; quhilk
failing, the nixt therefter ; and so furth everie week till ther sould be full
convention ; and the moderator promised to aduertise the absents of
this conclusion.

Att Botarie, 5th August, 1645.
Conveined, the moderator, Mr. Robert Jameson, Mr. George Chalmer,
Mr. George Meldrum ; the rest absent ; and seing ther could be no con-
uenience of meetting had this long tyme bygone, be reason of continowall
troubles, armies going among vs euerie week almost ; quhervpon the
moderator, vith such as ver present, resolved to meet twentieth August,
and promised to aduertise all the absentis of the said day. And becaus the
exerceiseris had been long absent, and not being sure of doctrine the nixt
day, having the occasion of Mr. Thomas Johnstoun, vho had his testificat
from the Professor of Diuinitie in Aberdein of his privat exerceising, and
desyring to be hard among vs, vas appoynted to add the nixt day, and Mr.
Alexander Gordon to exerceise.

Att Botarie, 20th August, 1645.
The said day, Mr. George Chalmer reported that William Watt, mur-
therer, vas fugitive to the boundis of the Presbytrie of Turreff. The

64 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1646.

moderator ordained to aduertise Mr. Alexander Garden, minister at Foro-e,
that he be not resett among them.

Att Botarie, 10th September, 1645.
The said day, Mr. George Chalmer regraited the vant of necessarie
mantenance and accommodatioun, and hauing the vhole burden of Rynnie
and Essie, requyred ane act of transportatioun. The bretheren, taking the
mater to ther consideratioun, ordained ane edict to be served at both the
paroch kirkis ; and becaus the provincial} vas to intervein betwixt that and
the nixt presbiteriall meeting, referred the edict to be called at Elgin the
seventh of October nixt.

Att Botarie, 8th July, 1646.
The said day, compeired John Paterson, being summondit by ane refer-
ence from the sessioun of Dumbennand, and being accused of incest vith
Bessie Geddes, his vyfes sister, confessed the same. The said John or-
dained to pey forty libs., and stand bearfooted in sackcloth twenty-five
Saboths ; and the said Bessie to satisfie in brankis and joggs to the con-
tentment of the parochin.

Att Rynnie, 26th July, 1646.

The said day, the bretheren having conveined, and the moderator having
showen the cause of ther meetting in that congregatioun, and how discipline
vas managed for the restraint of sinne and vyce, to the end if any thing vas
vanting for the furtherance ether of Godis vorship or exercise of discipline,
that the bretheren ver readie to afFoord ther best concurrence and assist-
ance ; and vithall did adjure the elderis, vith vplifted handis, to declare
freelie quhat they knew vorthie ofreproche or admonitioun in ether ther tuo
ministeris, Mr. Henrie Ross and Mr. George Chalmer, and to this effect
did remow them till the elderis ver hard quhat they had to say.

And, first, concerning the said Mr. Henrie, they deponed that he vas
altogether vncapable of any publict function, being so infatuated that he did
misknow his owne vyf and children, nor vas conscious to himself ether of his
vordis or actions. All quhich the bretheren did evidentlie sie to be of
trueth, to ther gryt greif. Forder, that the said Mr. Henrie he had borne
no charge in the ministrie these three yeiris bygone ; and being euerie day
more vnable, the elderis desyred the bretheren he sould be prohibited to

1646.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 65

midle vith any part of the ministerial! function. Secondlie, they declared
that Mr. George Chalmer vas faithfull in his calling, and blamles in lyf
and conversation. The elderis being remowed, and Mr. George Chalmer
being demandit concerning ther fidelitie and concurrence in discipline, ver
approven; and George Gordon of Rynnie desyred to assist discipline
quhen he residis vithin the parochin ; and George Gordon in Gulburne
admitted elder, and gaue his oath of fidelitie.

William Young, officiar, was found faithfull in his charge, and continowed
in his office.

The said day, the minister and elderis regraited the vant of ane schoole
for training vp of the youth, having been in vse therof befor the kit
troubles, and the bretheren finding a provision for the same, ordained to
provyd ane qualified man for that effect vith all diligence, and send him to
the presbytry for his tryall to the said charge.

And becaus ther vas ane reference from the last Provinciall Assemblie to
the presbitry, to sie quhat mantenance vas provyded for the said Mr. George
Chalmer his service, and to consider of the competencie therof, fand that he
had receaued no mor since his entrie to the ministrie ther but onlie tuo
hundreth merkis and aucht bollis victuall yeirhe, quhich the said Mr.
Henrie did at first dimitt off" his locall stipend for the sustentatioun of the
said Mr. George as his helper in the ministrie, notwithstanding that the
parochineris, at the said Mr. George his entrie, had bound themselfs (be-
caus they fand such a part as Mr. Henrie dimitted to be so vnconsiderable
as it could not serve for sufficient mantenance), to pay yeirlie more attour
fourtie merkis money and aught bollis victuall, (quhich befor they ver in vse
to pay to ane reader,) and that aye and so long as the said Mr. Hendrie
did enjoy the rest of the stipend ; quhich aught bollis and forty merkis,
after the discease or remowall of Mr. Hendrie, sould returne againe to the
vse of ane reader and schoolmaster ; and suchlyk, besydes the said forty
merkis and aught bollis victuall, the parochineris had obleiged themselfs
vnto the said Mr. George fourtie Ubs. at his entrie, to build ane hous vpon
the manse of Essie for his present accommodatioun ; for the verificatioun
quherof, the said Mr. George exhibited ane decreit arbitrall, containing ane
submission on the ane syde to Mr. James Gordon, minister at Kinnoir, and
subscryved be Alexander Gordon of Merdrum and George Gordon of
Knockespok, for themselfs, and taking burden for the rest of the parochine,
gluing power to the said Mr. James to fill wp the blank, quhich vas done be

I

66 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1646.

him accordinglie, in the termes aboue specified; the quhilk decreit the
parochineris acknowledged and confessed as said is, but had performed
nothing therof as yet, but ver content for the tyme bygone to assigne the
said Mr. George to ane band of tuo hundreth merkis restand be Mr. Heiirie
Ross to the comongood of Rynnie and Essie ; quhich the bretheren, con-
sidering to be imployed to ane pious vse, being bestowed as said is, gaue
their approbation thervnto, quhervith the said Mr. George seimed to be con-
tent for tymes bygone ; but finding the parochineris averse from contributing
for his further mantenance in tyme comming, in respect (as they pretendit)
Mr. Henrie enjoyed the most part of the stipend and boare no burden in
the ministrie, quherfor the said Mr. George desyred the bretheren to grant
him ane act of transportatioun, or then consider how he might be able to
Hue in that charge in tyme comming.

Quhilk the bretheren hauing thoght maturlie vpon, and hauving hard
that Mr. Henrie his vyfe and children, and vther of ther liuest friendis
(himself not being capable) ther present, ver content presentlie that the
said Mr. Henrie sould remow out of the parochin, and to dimitt the residue
of the stipend in fauoris of Mr. George, vpon such resonable content as
the presbitry sould think fitt, provyding the said Mr. George sould pey him
for his house and manse, according to the just vorth therof, presentlie to be
estimat be the bretheren ; vith quhich motion the bretheren being veill
pleased, finding that it void be ane meane to settle the ministrie in that
parochin, and also considering the indigence and necessitie of the said Mr.
Henrie, advysed the said Mr. George to bargan presentlie for the hous
[ ] plenishing therin, and altho the [value] therof sould exceid the

provision of the law, yet, neuer the less, to pey to the said Mr. Henrie as much
as the bretheren (vho sould be appoyntit for that eff'ect) sould think it vorth ;
to the quhich Mr. George answered, that he void be ruled be the determi-
nation of his bretheren in that poynt, provyding alvayes, that the presbitry
(quhensoeuer it sould pleas God to remow him by death or vthervayes),
void assure him of ther concurrence and assistance, to sie him or his re-
founded by his successor, of as much as they sould determine him to giue
presentlie to the said Mr. Henrie, hous and bigging left in as good case by
him as now they are at his present entrie ; quhervnto the bretheren, all in
one voyce, consented, and promised, lykvys, to obtaine the inserting of this
present in synodall book of the province. Immediatlie heirvpon, the pres-
bytrie designed Mr. Robert Jamesone, minister at Botarie ; Mr. Richard

1646.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 67

Maitland, minister at Abercherdour ; Mr. Robert Chein, minister at Kin-
nethmont, sone in law to Mr. Hendrie Ross ; Alexander Gordon of Mer-
drum, to go and sight the saidis hous and manse, and equallie and indijQfer-
entlie, for both parties, to estimat and appreciat the same, according to the
just vorth, and report ther judgment to the bretheren. Quhich, quhen they
had maturlie considered and thoght vpon, they reported the hous and the
rest of the bigging vpon the manse, together vith such plenishing as ves
vithin the hous for the tyme, to be vorth, if not better than ane thousand
merkis ; quhich the presbytrie advysed the said Mr. George to pey, in readie
money, to the said Mr. Henrie, and Mr. Henrie to remow himself and his
familie vith all convenient diligence ; quhervnto both parties most willinglie
accorded.

The said day, the parishoneris finding Mr. George Chalmer, their mi-
nister, settled now in a competent vay of lining, by the demissione of Mr.
Henrie Ross, at the desyre of the presbitry, and to giue the said Mr.
George further encouragment, did freelie resigne the tak of the viccaraige,
and small teyndis of the tuo parishes (quhich Mr. Henrie Ross had for-
merlie disponed to them for a certaine dutie), into the handis of Mr. George,
vith full power to him to midle vith the said viccarages as any of his prede-
cessoris in that station.

The said day, Mr. Richard Maitland reported that the Lady Frendraught
answered, for hir not frequenting the church and heiring the word, schoe
sould keep the church quher hir husband vent, quhilk vas not vithin boundis
of the Presbytrie of Strathbogie.

Att Gairtlie, 27th August, 1646.
The said day, Mr. John Gordon vas presented to the presbytrie, for en-
terinsT schoolmaster at the said kirk, vho vas ordained to haue ane firlate
victuall of euerie pleugh, tuentie libs, of the common good, vith the casuali-
ties of baptisme and mariage ; and the said Mr. Johne, the nixt day, to
haue his tryall for qualificatioun of his literature in handling the first Ode
of Horas.

Att Botarie, 16th September, 1646.
Conveined, moderator and bretheren.

Absent, Mr. William Reid, Mr. Robert Irving. Mr. George Chalmer
excused his former absens.

68 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1646.

The said day, Mr. John Gordon taught ane gramer lesson, first Ode of
Horas, and ves found qualified to teach ane gramer schoole, and vas re-
ferred back to the session of Gartly for his entrie ther ; but, in the meane-
tyme, ther vas presented ane letter from William Reid, shoving that he in-
tendit to haue ane able man for that place, vho sould both teach the schoole
and also help him in the ministerie. The bretheren, thinking good of the
motion, ordained him to performe this his promise betuixt this and Merti-
mes, as he void be answerable.

Androw Buivie, Margaret Hoge, Thomas Thomsone, and Mariorie
Grant, adultereris in Grange, vt supra, sumonded for ther contumacie to
the decreit of the presbytrie, called, and not compeiring, ordained to be
processed vith excommunicatioun.

Mr. James Gordon, minister at Kinnoir, reported that Bessie Geddes
had begun hir repentance, and John Patersone had promised to satisfie.

Compeired James Fiddes, in Dumbennand, and being accused of his
alledgit incest vith Catheren Forbes, denyed the same ; and being posed,
on his oath, refused to giue the same, till the nixt day ; quhilk he vas or-
dained to keep-
Mr. James Gordon, minister at Rothemay, reported that Mr. Thomas
Smart had compeired befor the sessioun, and had assured them of satisfac-
tioun after Halloday, in respect for the present he vas imployed in his
[ ] in Boyne, and could not keep euerie day.

Mr. Robert Watsone reported that Gilbert Watt and Elspet Guthrie
ver going on in their repentance.

Mr. Robert Jamesone ordained to process Elspet Crukshank, contumax
to the decreit of the presbytrie.

Alexander Robertsone, in Glas, sumonded pro 2"- vt supra, not com-
peiring, ordained to be ^umonded pro S'"-

Issobell Browne, in Rynye, sumonded pro 2°- vt suj)ra, not compeiring,
ordained to be sumonded j)ro 3*°-

Catheren Crafurd, in Glas, sumonded for hir contumacie to their ses-
sioun, not compeiring, ordained to be sumonded pro 2°-

John Milne, in Glas, adulterer vith Margaret Dun, sumonded, and not
compeiring, ordained to be sumonded pro 2"-

William Slorach, in Botarie, sumonded for his sexfold fornicatioun vith
Margaret Johnstoun ; William Innes, trelaps in fornicatioun vith Janat
Watt, not compeiring, ordained to be sumonded pro 2"-

1646.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 69

The said day, George Pirie, in Botarie, being long since declared con- Pirie.
tumax to the decreit of the presbitry, sumonded, and not compeiring, or-
dahied to be processed.

Corapeired John Steinson, in Keyth, and confessed his cohabiting in for- Steinson.
nicatioun vith Elspet Gordon ; the quhilk Elspet confessed hir fornicatioun, Gordon,
and to be vith child to ane Irish ; and the said John his fall, being the third,
ordained to pey twenty libs., and raak his repentance, in sackcloth, to the
contentment of the congregatioun ; and the said Elspet to pey eight libs.,
and raak hir repentance sex Saboths, and to separate presentlie.

Corapeired George Low, in Keyth, and confessed his adulterie vith Low.
Margaret Gray. Ordained to pey twenty libs, each of thera, and raak ther Gray,
repentance, in sackcloth, according to order.

Corapeired William Hendrie and Beatrix Gordon, in Keyth, and con- Hendrie.
fessed their fall in fornicatioun befor ther mariage. Referred back to the Gordon.
Sessioun of Keyth for ther censure.

Corapeired Barbara Anderson, in Keyth, and confessed hir fornicatioun Anderson,
with John Steinson, Johne Stable, and once befor. Vas ordained to satisfie
as ane adulteress.

The nixt raeetting the last of Septeraber.

Mr. Robert Irving exerceises, and Mr. William Reid addis.

Att Botarie, vltirao Septerabris, 1646.

Conveined, the raoderator and bretheren.

Absent, Mr. Robert Irving, Mr. Williara Reid. No doctrine inrespect
of thes tuo absentis, on quhora the charge lay.

The said day, Mr. Robert Watson reported that he had done nothing
vith his recusant adultererirs, and that in respect of ther rainacing speeches,
threatning him vith fyre and plundering if he sould proceid any further vith
them ; the consideratioun quherof referred to the Provinciall Assemblie.

The said day, James Geddes, in Grange, being sumonded for sclander- Geddes.
ing famous persons vith sorcerie, called, corapeired not ; ordained to be
suraondedjoro 2"-

Bessie Steill, in Grange, having corapeired befor the session, and con- -Tak and Steill.
fessed her adulterie vith Alexander Jak, in Abercherdour, suraonded,
called, not corapering, ordained to be suraonded pro 1°- ; and Mr. Richard
Maitland to sumond the said Alexander to the next day.

John Patersone, in Durabennand, ordained to begin his repentance, vt supra. Patersone.

70 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1646,

James Fiddes, in Dumbennand, being sumonded, ajmd acta, to compeir
and answer for his alledgit incest, called, compeired not ; quherfor, seing
he refused to giue his oath the last day, and promised to keep and purge
himself this day, vas declared guiltie, and ordained to be sumonded to
heir himself sentenced.

Mr. Robert Jamesone ordained to process Elspet Crukshank, and the
rest of his recusantis.

Compeired, Alexander Robertsone, in Glas, and for his contumacie to
ther sessioun, and fornicatioun, vas ordained to satisfie as relaps in fornica-
tioun, and pay eight merkis.

Compeired, John Milne, in Glas, and confessed his adulterie vith
Margaret Dun. Ordained to satisfie ther session, according to the
ordour.

Catheren Crafurd, being sumonded to ansuer for hir contumacie, vt
supra, called, compeired not. Ordained to be sumonded pro 1°-

John Steinson and Elspet Gordon, in Keyth, being sumonded, apud
acta, the last Saboth, to compeir befor the presbitry, to answer for not
obeying the decreit of the presbytrie, and continowing in ther former co-
habitatioun, vt supra, not compeiring, ver declared contumaces, and
ordained to be processed by the nixt minister that preaches at the said
church.

Compeired George Hendrie, in Keyth, and confessed his incest vith
Janat Forbes, his mother brotheris vyfe. Ordained to pey forty libs., and
mak his repentance, in sackcloth, to the contentment of the congregatioun.

The said day, Margaret Vishert, in Keyth, being sumonded for hir
adulterie vith Johne Shepherd, in Aberdein, quhilk scho confessed befor
the sessioun, called, not compeiring, ordained to be sumonded pro 2°- ;
and the commissioneris from Aberdein to the next Assemblie, to be adver-
tised to send bak the man.

Margaret Walker, in Keyth, having been accused of fornicatioun with
divers Irishes, and speciallie vith one criple among them, confessed hir
fall with the criple, [but] refused the rest. This being her third fall,
vas sumonded to this day ; not compeiring, ordained to be sumonded
\j)ro 2"-]

John Barclay, in Keyth, hauing compeired befor the sessioun, and
being accused of incest with Isobell Aquhynanne, the mother, and Elspet
Gordon, hir daughter, refused both, notvithstanding it vas prouen in his

1646.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 71

presence, be Andrew Chrystie and James Thomson, elderis of the parish,
that he confessed to them he had carnall dealing vith Elspet Gordon, the
dochter, and that he had lyen tuentie nights in the naked bed with hir
mother* To the quhilk the said John answered, that drunkennes mad
him onlie confesse that to the said elderis. Being summonded to this day,
and not compeiring, ordained to be sumonded pro 2"-

The said day, Alexander Stable, in Keyth, being sumonded for qua- Stable,
drilaps in fornicatioun, called, compeired not. Ordained to be sumonded
pro 2°-

Isobell Browne, in Noth of Rynye, being sumonded pro S'"-, for co- Browne,
habiting in adulterie with Alaster Mackquayr, called, compeired not ;
ordained to pey tuentie libs., and to mak hir repentance, in sackcloth,
to the contentment of the parish.

The said day, the vhole bretheren reported that they had begun the
practeis of the directorie concerning publict worship at the former day
appoynted, viz., twentieth Septembris.

The bretheren remoued seuerallie and censured, ver approuen. Mr.
Alexander Fraser, Mr. Robert Watson, Mr. James Gordon, minister of
Rothemay, on the list for to be moderator. Mr. Alexander Fraser vas
chosen.

Att Botarie, 25th November, 1646.

The said day, compeired William Seifvright and George Stronach, in Seifvreight
Glas, and being accused of sorcerie, in alloting and giuing over some land '^"'^ ^is'onac .
to the old goodman (as they call it), denyed the same; and, becaus it
vas so alledgit, they promised to manure said land. The brethren, taking
the mater to their consideratioun, continowed their censure till the per-
formance of this ther promis.

The said day, vas produced ane letter from the Commissioners of the
Generall Assemblie, requyring the intimatioun in the seuerall churches
vitbin the presbitry, of the excommunicatioun of the Earle of Seaforth ;
James Ogilvie, somtyme Erie of Airlie ; Alaster M' Donald ; David
Grahame, somtyme of Gorthie ; Patrik Grahame, sone to the Laird of
Inshbrakie ; Donald Robertsone, somtyme called Tutor Strowan ; Johne
Stewart of Schearglasse ; Colonell William Stewart. The bretheren or-
dained to intimat this against the nixt day.

72 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1646.

Att Botarie, 9th December, 1646.
The said day, corapeired Johne of Achynachie, and desyred the
bretheren to proceed vith the sentence of excommunicatioun against
Walter Innes of Pathnick, for the slaughter of Alexander Gordone, his
father. The bretheren, considering that, by his remowall from the king-
dome, he had taken the fact vpon him, yet, becaus he vas not so declared
be the civill magistrate in being denounced to the home, quhilk the said
Johne Gordon promised to doe, and bring the executioun therof to the
nixt day, against the quhich tyme the bretheren ver ordained to giue him
ane publict citatioun out ther pulpitis, to keep the said day ; vith certifi-
catioun, if he compeired not, and gave satisfaction, the sentence sould be
pronunced the said day.

Att Botarie, 16th December, 1646.

The said day, Walter Innes of Pathnick being cited out the seuerall
pulpitis to compeir befor the presbytrie, and giue satisfactioun for the
slaughter of Alexander Gordon of Achnyachie, called, compeired not ;
as also, Johne Gordon of Achynachie produced the executioun of his de-
nunicatioun to the home. The bretheren, taking the mater to ther con-
sideratioun, thoght meet to pronunce the sentence of excommunicatioun
against the said Walter Innes presentlie ; quhilk vas done be the modera-
tor, and ordained to be intimat the nixt Saboth throgh the whole
presbytrie.

Compeired George Robertsone, in Glas, and being accused for brak of
Saboth, and glueing scandellous speech to his minister, denyed the same.
The minister ordained to led probatioun of the former accusations befor
the session, against the nixt day, and the said George sumonded, apud
acta, to keep for that effect.

Att Botarie, 7th Januarii, 1647.
The said day, compeired Mr. George Watsone, vith ane letter from Sir
William Forbes of Cragivar, containing ane list of some men for a minister
to be admitted to the church of Keyth, viz., Mr. Robert Watsone,
minister at Grange ; Mr. Androw Abercrombie, minister at Fintray ; Mr.
Alexander Garioch, minister at Cushnie ; Mr. Johne Menzies, regent, in
New Aberdein ; desyring the opinion and advyse of the presbytrie, in the
said busines. The bretheren, takin the mater to their consideratioun.

1647.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 73

thoght it not expedient to giue ane present advyse of the forsaid men,
vithout the knowledge of the parishoneris, quhom it chieflie concerned, and
therfor ordained the parishoneris to be acquainted vith the forsaid list, and
to keep the nixt day of meetting, that both parish and presbytrie may mak
choice of ane able man for that charge ; and also desyred the Laird of
Cragivar to haue ane present the said day, for the eflPect forsaid.
The nixt meetting, twenty-seventh Januarii.

Att Botarie, 27th Januarij, 1647.

The said day, compeired the gentlemen and elderis of the parish of
Keyth, in name of the rest of the parish, vho reported they had maturelie
advysed of the list giuen be the Laird of Cragivar, for the chosing of ane
minister for the said kirk, and also gaue in a supplicatioun, subscryved be
them, for theraselfs, and in name of the rest of the parishoneris, to be
sent to the Laird of Cragivar, and desyring the presbytrie their concur-
rence to the said supplicatioun. The bretheren, considering the list sent
be Cragivar, and the parishoneris supplicatioun for Mr. William Forbes, Cragiewar.
minister at Mortlach, to be ther minister, did advyse Mr. Robert Watsone,
minister at Grange, to embrace the forsaid charge, vho absolutlie refused
the same, inrespect the parishoneris had supplicat for ane vther man ;
quhervpon the bretheren resolued to concurre vith the parishoneris in the
supplicatioun for Mr. William Forbes, (quhom they knew to be ane able
man for the said charge,) and so did vreit to the Laird of Cragivar, de-
syring him to condescend to the people ther supplicatioun, quhilk vas the
best vay for a peaceable ministrie in the said place.

Anent the referr of the Provinciall Assemblie, concerning the Lady
Frendraught, Mr. Richard Maitland reported shoe vas out of the country
till now. The said Mr. Richard ordained to goe on vith the process, as
he void be ansuerable to the Provinciall Assemblie.

The nixt meetting, the seventeenth February. Mr. James Crukshank
exerceises, and Mr. Alexander Gordon addis.

Att Botarie, vltimo Martii, 1647.
Ther could be no meetting in Februar, by reason of the gryt storme ;
nor hitherto in March, be reason of continowall armies and parties of
Highlanderis remaining vithin the boundis of the presbytrie.

The said day, Mr. Robert Watsone produced ane presentatioun from the

K

74 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1647.

Laird of Cragivar, patron to the kirk of Keyth, to Mr. Johne Menzies,
regent, in New Aberdein. The bretheren, considering the necessitie of
ane able qualified man to the said charge, as also the direction of the Pro-
vincial! Assemblie to look to the plantatioun of the said kirk, as they void
be answerable, seing the Assemblie vas now at hand, referred the presen-
tatioun to be considered be them.

The said day, vas produced ane letter from the Commissioneris of the
Generall Assemblie, of the dait nineteenth December, schewing that the
Earle of Seaforth and James Ogilvie, vpon ther publict satisfactioun, ver
relaxed from the sentence of excommunication, and the same to be intimat
in the seuerall congregationis of the presbitry ; as also, ane varning, to be
red in the seuerall churches ; quhilk, seing it came so long after the pub-
lication therof in vthir adjacent kirkis, and the Assemblie now approchinsr,
referred to the said meetting to advyse of the expediencie of reiding the
same as yet.

The said day, Mr. Robert Watsone, regraiting his gryt losses, and
dangers he stands in in this tyme of publict calamitie, desyred ane act of
transportatioun. The bretheren, considering his case, and yet being loath
to sie the vacancie of that station, referred the mater to the consideratioun
of the Provinciall Assemblie.

Att Botarie, 28th Aprilis, 1647.

The said day, vas presented ane letter from Mr. Johne Menzies,
quherin he refused to accept the presentatioun for the kirk of Keyth, for-
merlie sent be the Laird of Cragivar, in his name.

Anent the referr of the Provinciall Assemblie, concerning the Lady
Frendraught, hir giuing in a supplicatioun to the Commissione of the
Kirk, requyring continowatioune of hir process, for diuers reasons con-
tained in the said supplicatioune, quhilk [she] vas ordained to subscryv, but
now had refused to doe the same. The mater referred to the Commissione
of the Kirk.

Anent the referr of the Provinciall Assemblie, for provyding helperis for
the old ministeris that keeped not the presbyteriall meettings, Mr. Richard
Maitland reported that he had spoken both patron and parishoners of
Innerkethnie, vho had confessed they had satisfactioune of their minister,
Mr. Robert Irving, and ver desyrous of no helper.

The bretheren reported they had keeped the fast, the reasons quherof

1647.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 75

came to ther handis at the Provinciall Asserablie. Mr. Alexander Fraser
reported, he had sumondit Mr. James Gordon to compeir befor the Com-
missione of the Kirk, at Aberdein, the second Vedensday of May nixt,
according to the ordinance of the Provinciall Assemblie.

Att Keyth, 9th Junij, 1647.

The said day, the moderator reported that the Commissioners of the Lady Fren-
Generall Assemblie had granted libertie to the Lady Frendraught to be ane ^'■^"^"*-
ordinar hearer of the vord at Forge for a tyme.

The bretheren ordained to intimate the excommunicatioun of Michaell Vrquhart.
Wrquhart.

The said day, compeired Isobell Thorn sone, in Grange, vho confessed Thomsone.
hirself ravished be ane Highlander, on the Knockhill of Strath Ily, quhen
the Lord of Aboyne vent first to Bamf. The mater referred to forder tryall
against the nixt day.

The said day, the bretheren ordained to raak publick intimatioun out of
ther pulpitis of the excommunicatioun of Mr. Alexander Innes ; Mr. Wil-
liam Maitland ; Lodvik Gordon, sone to the lait Marques of Huntlie ;
Arthur Forbes ; John Gordon of Fechell ; Alexander Gordon of Arra-
doull ; Patrik Leyth of Arthill ; Patrik Gordon alias Steilhard ; William
Gordon, younger of Newtoun, vho ver excommunicat for ther accession to
the lait horrid rebellion, and complyance vith the comone enimie.

The said day, vas presented be the moderator ane band, drawen vp by
the Commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie, to be subscryved be all thes
that had bein in actuall rebellion and complyance vith the comone enimie,
the tenor quherof foUowes, and vas subscryved be all that compeired for
that effect :

" Ve, wndersubscryveris, considering our ingagement in and accession to
the lait horrid rebellione, by quhich we haue bein enimies to the Covenantis
and caus of God, and drawen vpon ourselfs the guilt of the blood of the
Lordis people that haue bein slain in the land, doe profess our vnfainyed
sorow and deep humiliatioun for thes our heinous offences, begging of the
Lord mercie and forgiuenes for the same, and promising, in the strenth and
power of his grace, to loath and abhorre ourselfs als long as ve Hue, be-
caus therof ; and not onlie shune and avoyd such vicked courses, and all the
authoris and fauereris therof, for the tyme to come, but also to adhere to
the Nationall Covenant, and the Solemne League and Covenant, to be sted-

76 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1647.

fast and zealous in promoving all the endis therof, against all enimies and
aduersaries quhatsomeuer to the wttermost of our power ; and this we doe
in the sinceritie of our heartis, as in the sight of God. Sic subscribitur,
John Gordon in Litlemilne ; Johne Gordon of Achynachie ; Johne Gor-
don in Cragihead; James Gordon of Birkinburne ; Johne Gordon in
Drumdelgie ; William Gordon in Achinhandak ; Alexander Gordon, bro-
ther to Cragihead ; Johne Gordone in Walkmilne ; George Adamson in
Floores ; Johne Gordon in Overhall ; Thomas Gordon in Brakles ; James
Duff and Adam Duff, sones to James Duff of Bad." All thes having sub-
scryved the forsaid band, and in a solemne maner acknowledgit their offence
vpon ther knees, ver referred back to ther seuerall parishes, and ther to
mak ther repentance, in sackcloth, befor the congregatioun, the nixt Lords
day.

The said day, being appoynted for the plantatioune of the church of
Keyth, so long vacand throgh the transplantatioun of Mr. Joseph Brodie,
and for that effect compeired Sir William Forbes of Cragivar, patrone to
the said church, and ther did produce ane presentatioun, nominating therin
Mr. Alexander Garioch, minister at Cushnie, to be minister at the said kirk
of Keyth, and took instrument theron in the handis of James Troup, mes-
singer. The elderis and parishoneris gaue in a supplicatioun for Mr.
Joseph Brodie, earnestlie intreating the patrone to present the said Mr.
Joseph to ther church. The bretheren, remembering the ordinance of the
Provinciall Assemblie, to requyre the advyse and concurrence of the Pres-
bytries of Elgine and Forres in the plantatioun of the kirk of Keyth, ap-
poynted the said presbytries to be aduertised of the said presentatioun and
supplicatioun of the parish, and to requyre ther commissioneris to keep the
nixt day of meetting, at Botarie, Junii twenty-third, to giue ther advyse
theranent.

Att Botarie, Junii 23, 1647.
The said day, conveined with the bretheren, Mr. William Falconer, Mr.
Alexander Sumner, Mr. Alexander Spens, commissioneris from Elgine and
Forress, and Mr. Alexander Garioch, minister at Cushnie, vho did accept
of the presentatioun giuen in the former day be the Laird of Cragivar, to
the kirk of Keyth, in his name. The bretheren, after mature deliberatioun
in the said busines, thoght meet to keep the nixt day at Keyth, quher the
said Mr. Alexander vas ordained to preach befor the presbytrie and people.

1647.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 77

on the ordinare mater of the exercises, and to goe the nixt Saboth and preach
to the people, and exercise discipline in ther session, and to bring with him,
at ther nixt meetting, ane act of transplantatioun from his owne presbytrie,
vith the reasons therof ; and the commissioneris of Elgine and Forres ver
requested to keep the said dyet at Keyth, July seventh, that they might
concurre vith the presbytrie in the plantatioun of the said kirk.

The said day, compeared Adam Gordon of Welhead ; Johne Ingrame in
Vhythill ; Adam Richardsone in Hauches ; Hirome Spens in Kinnoir ;
William Langmure in Grange ; George Seifvright in Acharne ; George
Malice in Glas ; George Robertsone ther ; Hew Sherrear, William Spens, at
the Milne of Carnbarrow, vho all acknowledged their accession to the horrid
rebellion, and subscryved the band mad theranent. Ordained to mak ther
repentance, in sackcloth, the nixt Saboth, in ther seuerall parriss kirkis,
according to the act of the Generall Assemblie. Lykvys, compeired James
Gordon of Daach ; Johne Fordyce in Achincrewe ; Patrik Gordon at the
Milne of Gartly ; Alexander Anderson in Gartly ; Thomas Gordon, sone
to James Gordon of Daach, and acknowledgit ther complyance vith the
comone enimie. Ordained to satisfie the discipline of the kirk for ther
offence, according to the act of the Commission of the Kirk, mad at Aber-
dein in May last.

Att Keyth, Julij 7, 1647.

Mr. Alexander Garioch taught, 1 Cor. 2, v. 6. Approuen as ane ortho-
doxe popular preacher. The most part of the elderis, for the time present,
ver content to accept the said Mr. Alexander for ther minister. The
bretheren, taking the mater to ther serious consideratioun, continowed the
same to the nixt day of meetting, and ordained the said Mr. Alexander to
bring his testimoniall act of transplantatioun, vith the resons therof, to the
said day.

The said day, ane supplicatioun presented [be] the goodvyf of Cam- Cuttis ot
barow, requyring relaxatioun from hir excommunicatioun, and some of the Carnl)orrow.
bretheren to conferr with hir for hir further resolutioune of such poyntis as
troubled hir conscience in materis of religion. Mr. George Meldrum, hir
minister, and Mr. Alexander Fraser, ordained to conferr vith hir, and to
report the nixt day ther diligence.

Mr. Robert Watsone and Mr. James Gordon on the list for commis-
sioneris to the Generall Assembly, and the Laird of Kempkarne and Alex-

78 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1647.

ander Ogilvie of Knock for ruling elderis. Mr. James Gordon and Kemp-
kearne chosen.

The said day, Mr. Robert Jamesone and Mr. Robert Watsone hauing
bein appoynted be the Commissioneris of the Generall Assembly at Aber-
dein, fourteenth May, to conferr vith Mr. George Chalmer, vho vas sus-
pendit from all exercise of his ministrie vntill the second Vednesday of
Julie, for wreitting to Harthill for recouerie of plundered goodis and keep-
ing chamber in Lesmoir, quhen [Lues] Gordon vas ther, quhilk he had
possessed befor Lues Gordon [his] coming and preaching sumtyme in the
hous of [ ], and hauing found him sensible of thes his offences, did

relax him from his suspension after the said day, according to power granted
to them be the said Commission, and ordained Mr. Robert Jameson to goe
to his owne church of Rynye, on Sounday come aucht dayes, and receaue
him after sermon, quhich he sail haue for that purpos.

Att Botarie, 21st Julij, 1647.

The said day, ther vas ane supplicatioun presented befor the moderator
and remanent bretheren of the presbytrie, be Alexander Ogilvie of Knock,
Robert Crichtoun of Condland, Beroald Innes of Knockorth, and Johne
Gordon of Ardmelly, all elderis of the paroche of Abercherdour, and, in
name and behalf of the vhole heritors, gentlemen, elderis, and inhabitantis
of the said paroche, earnestlie desyring that Mr. Johne Reidfurd micht be
ther minister, and that the patron of the said churche void present him to
be ther minister therof ; that they be no longer frustrat of the confort of
Godis vord. Quhilk supplicatioun vas red, and villinglie accepted be the
whole presbytrie, and did approue the same, and ther affectioune to the
said Mr. Johne. And becaus the presbytrie vnderstandis the right of
patronage of the said churche to belong to the Kings Majestic, therfor
they haue ordained, at the nixt presbyteriall meeting, to leitt three ;
quherof the said Mr. Johne Reidfurd salbe one, being onlie supplicat be
the vhole paroche to be ther minister.

The said day, vas presented ane letter from the Presbytrie of Alfurd,
quherin vas found no formall testificat to Mr. Alexander Garioch, nor act
of transplantatioun, vith the reasons therof, as vas requyred ; and the
commissioneris from Keyth refused any supplicatioune for the said Mr.
Alexander, vntill the whole heritoris of the paroche sould advyse, and
meett theranent, quhilk they ver to doe again the nixt day.

1647.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 79

The said day, compeired William Browne in Rynye, George Gor-
don ther, Johne Walker ther ; acknowledged ther accession to the lait
horrid rebellion ; subscryved the band mad theranent. Ordained to
mak ther repentance, in sackcloth, befor ther congregation, the next
Lordis day.

Compeired, the parochiners of Grange, and acknowleged ther com-
plyance vith the comone enimie. Referred bak to ther owne paroche, to
satisfie according to the ordour ; and euerie brother to tak course vith
these of the meaner sort in ther seuerall paroches.

Mr. Robert Jamesone reported he had gone to Rynnye the last Lordis
day, and ther hauing hard Mr. George Chalmer preach, Prov. 28, v. 13,
quherin he gaue him and the congregatioun full content, and so had re-
poned him, according to the Act of the Commission of the Kirk, at Aber-
dein, fourteenth Maij, 1647.

Att Botarie, 4th August, 1647.

The said day, according to the former ordinance in the plantatioun of Reidfurd.
Abercherdour, Mr. Johne Reidfurd, Mr. Robert WatSone, Mr. James
Barclay, ver leitted for the said churche, and the leittis send, ver sent south
to the commissioner of the presbytrie.

The said day, Mr. Alexander Garioch vreat to the presbytrie, desyring a
determinat answer concerning his comming to the church of Keyth. The
bretheren, having expected ane supplicatioune from the parochineris ther-
anent, according to ther promis the former day of meetting, quhilk, seing it
vas not come, could returne no answer to the said Mr. Alexander for the
tyme. In the meane tyme, ordained the parochineris of Keyth to testifie
ther villingnes to haue the said Mr. Alexander to be ther minister, in sup-
plicatting for hira the nixt day of meetting, vthervayes the presbytrie void
tak the mater as altogether deserted be them, and acquaint the patron
heirof immediatlie therafter.

At Botarie, 18th August, 1647.
Mr. George Meldrum reported that the goodvyf of Carnborrow, vith hir Cuttis.
daughteris, continowed heireris of the vord, and had declared themselfs
satisfied of ther doubtis, and so intendit to come to the presbytrie and re-
ceaue ordour for making hir repentance.

80 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1647.

Att Botarie, 1st September, 1647.
The said day, a generall regrate of the bretheren of the increase of
poprie, and dishanting of Godis publict vorship vithin the presbytrie. Re-
ferred to the consideratioune of the Provinciall Assemblie.

At Botarie, 29th Septembris, 1647.

The said day, a generall regrait of all the bretheren of the gryt abuses
of trouperis vithin ther boundis, especiallie vpon the Lordis day and that
solemne day of thanksgiuing. In a particular raaner referred to the con-
sideratioun of the Assemblie.

Mr. Robert Watsone and Mr. James Gordon on the list for modera-
tioune. Mr. Robert Watsone chosen.

The bretheren remoued seuerallie and censured, ver approuen faithfull
and diligent in ther callings, onlie Mr. Alexander Fraser admonished to be
more diligent in censuring his complyers, the principall men quherof, he
reported, had bein south this long tyme.

The said day, compeired Mr. Richard Maitland, lait minister at Aber-
cherdour. Hauing produced a reference from the Generall Assemblie to the
Presbytrie of Strathbogie and Synod of Murray, anent his satisfactioun for
his complyance vith the lait Marquis of Huntly, for quhich he vas deposed
by the Commission of the Kirk, at Aberdein, in May last, and gaue in his
supplicatioun, subscryued vith his hand, acknowledging that he did most
heartlie acknovledge ane vnfained sorow for offending and scandellizing the
Kirk of Scotland, or any member therof, by his correspondence or inter-
course be letteris vith the lait Marques of Huntly, for the quhich he vas
now deposed ; and that he vas lykvys greiued for offending the Church of
Scotland for any thing els besyd his said complyance, and that he accounted
his greatest happines on earth for to line and dye a faithfull and fruitfull
member of this church ; and becaus it vas his earnest desyre that God
might be glorified and the church satisfied, and that he might haue peace
vith both, did earnestlie desyr the assistance and furtherance of the presby-
trie for thes endis, conforme to the reference of the Generall Assemblie
theranent, produced be him. The bretheren, hauing takin the said suppli-
cation to heart, doe recommend the supplicant to the charitable considera-
tioun of the nixt Provinciall Assemblie.

Examined, October seventh, 1647. Mr. Robert Innes, clerk.

1647.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 81

Att Botarie, 27th Octobris, 1G47.

Anent the referr of the Provinciall Assemblie concerning the Lady Lady Fren-
Frendraught hir process in the Presbytrie of Strathbogie, ther joyning vith """^"g"*-
Presbytrie of TurrefF, quher shoe Hues for the most part, for conformitie, as
vas recommendit to the commissioneris sent to the prouince of Aberdein ;
nothing done, in respect the commissioneris keeped not the Provinciall
Assemblie of Aberdein, only Mr. Robert Irving vas ordained to try quhat
shoe had done vithin the Presbytrie of TurreflP, and to report the nixt
day.

The said day, corapeired Sir William Forbes of Cragivar, and
reported that Mr. Alexander Garioch had giuen bak his presentatioune
he had to the church of Keyth, and quyted any right he had to the
same, and promised to present the nixt day Mr. William Kininmont,
ane qualified man, recommendit to him be the Commissioneris of the
Generall Assemblie.

The said day, compeired Beroald Innes of Knockorth, Johne Abernethie Reidfurd.
of Tillidoun, Alexander Wilson of Achmaud, heritoris and elderis of Aber-
cherdour, vith a new supplicatioune for Mr. Johne Reidfurd to be ther
minister, homologating the former. Also, compeired the said Mr. Johne,
and produced ane presentation to the said kirk from the Earle of Panmuir,
vhose right of patronage being sein and considered by the Provinciall As-
semblie, the said Assemblie advysed the presbytrie to proceid heirvpon in
the plantatioun of the said kirk vith the said Mr. Johne, provyding the for-
said right of patronage be no preparatiue to the plantation of vther kirkis
of that nature, till the advyse of the Generall Assemblie be had theranent ;
as also, ane act of transplantation from the Presbytrie of Alfurd. And
becaus ther had come to the handis of the bretheren ane paper, not sub-
scryved, containing some reasons for not admitting the said Johne to that
place, at the desyre of the presbytrie, he voluntarie cleared himself therof in
euerie particular ; and, in speciall, anent ■ that of reus ambitus, quher he
show tuo letteris, vnder the elderis and heritoris handis, earnestlie desyring
him to come and giue them ane sermon, but being vnvilling to obey the said
desyre till he advysed vith the presbytrie, but not having the occasion
of ane presbyteriall meetting, he consulted vith divers of the bretheren
quhat to doe in the said caice, vho advysed him to goe and preach as he
vas desyred, quhilk the bretheren themselfis confessed ; quhervpon the
bretheren, being satisfied, ordained him to preach the nixt day befor them,

L

82 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1647.

vpon the 13th Mathew, v. 44. Mr. Richard Maitland protested that nothing
sould be done in the plantatioun of the said kirk prejudicial! to king or
church.

Att Botarie, 10th November, 1647.

Mr. Johne Reidfurd taught, Mathew 13, v. 44, as he vas the former day
of meetting enjoy ned, quherin he gaue all the bretheren full contentment,
and so vas ordained to preach the nixt Lordis day at Abercherdour, and
serve ane edict, charging all having interest to compeir befor the moderator
and remanent bretheren of the Presbytrie of Strathbogie, at Botarie, eighth
December, to heir and sie the said Mr. Johne admitted, or then to giue
reasonis on the contrarie.

The said day, ane letter, presented from Cragivar, excusing the not pre-
senting of Mr. William Kininraont, according to his promise the former
day of meetting, inrespect the said Mr. William vas not come north as
yet, and so promised to present him, or some other qualified man, the nixt
day.

The said day, compeired Mr. Richard Maitland, lait minister at Aber-
cherdour, and offerred satisfactioune and repentance for his complyance
vith the lait Marques of Huntly, for quhich he vas depryved by the Com-
mission of the Kirk, at Aberdein, in May last, quher, in a most humble
maner, shedding of teares sincerely, he acknowledgit his gryt offence he had
done to the Kirk of Scotland, and the equity of the sentence pronunced
against him, and most submissiuely craued pardon for all his misdoings to
the Kirk of Scotland, and to his bretheren of the presbytrie in particular ;
quhervith the bretheren, being satisfied, ordained ane testimonie heirof to
be giuen to the said Mr. Richard.

Mr. Robert Jamesone reported that James Vrquhart of Old Craige had
mad his repentance tuo seuerall Saboths, in sackcloth, at his church of
Botarie, according to the referr of the Provinciall AssembUe, and so vas
receaved.

Att Botarie, 8th December, 1647.

No doctrine, this day being appoynted for the agitatioun of Mr. Alex-
ander Gordon his theses, vho also vas absent, being sent for by the Pres-
bytrie of Aberlour, vhom they intendit to present to Kirk Michell.

The said day, compeired Mr. Johne Reidfurd, and produced ane edict,

1648.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 83

aervit and indorsit, as the same at lenth beares, being called, none compeired
to oppose the said Mr. Johne, except Mr. Richard Maitland, vho gave in
reasons subscryved vith his hand vhy the said Mr. Johne sould not be
admitted to the said kirk of Abercherdour, quhilk he offerred himself to
proue, together vith ane appellatioun to the nixt Provinciall or Generall
Assemblie. The bretheren taking the mater to ther consideratioun, re-
solued to send the extract of the saidis reasonis and appellatioun to the
Comraissioneris of the Generall Assemblie for ther determinatioun heirin ;
and ordained the moderator to vreit to them for that effect vith the said
Mr. Johne.

The said day, compeired Helen Cutis, goodvyf of Carnborrow, and Cutis of
having bein ane ordinar heirer of the vord, and having had conference vith Carnborrow.
hir owne minister this half yeir bygone, now desired to be relaxed from the
sentence of excommunicatioun. The bretheren ordained hir to mak hir
repentance according to the actis of the Kirk of Scotland in the lyke caice,
and therafter Mr. George Meldrum, hir owne minister, ordained to relaxe
hir from the said sentence, and resaue hir as a member of the Kirk of
Scotland.

Att Botarie, 5th Januarii, 1648.

Anent the plantation of Keyth, no report from the patron, nor vord of
Mr. William Kininmont. The bretheren ordained to aduerteis Cragivar
that he void present ane qualified man against the nixt day, vthervayes the
presbytrie void proceid to the plantatioun of the said kirk.

Compeired Christane Watt in Glas, and being accused of frequent Watt,
fornicatiouns vith the souldeouris of James Grahame his armie, con-
fessed hir following of the camp, and hir child that schoe had schoe
fathered the same on Johne Gordon, sone to Innermerkie, but refused
to giue hir oath for the said allegance. Ordained to satisfie in sack-
cloth and joggis six Saboths, and to declare vho vas the right father of
the child.

Att Botarie, 2d February, 1648.
The said day, vas presented ane letter from the Leiutenant Generall,
showing that Mr. William Kininmont had resaued ane presentatioun to the
kirk of Keyth, and desyring the presbytrie to vreit for the said Mr.

84 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1648.

William, that vpon ther call vith his presentatioun he might be the better
encouraged to embrace the said charge. The bretheren, willing to haue
that place settled vith ane able man, (such they ver informed the said Mr.
"William to be,) and ordaine the moderator to vreit for him in name of the
[presbytrie.]

The said day, vas presented ane letter from the Commissioneris of the
Generall Assemblie, vith two copies of the Actis of the last Generall As-
semblie, and requyring James Murray his restis to be sent south to Patrik
Dicksone, now supplieing his vice, as the pryce of the bookis and vther
printed papers, quhilk the bretheren ver appoynted to provyd vith all
diligence.

Compeired James Gordon, younger of Daoch, and acknowledged his
accession to the lait horrid rebellion, subscryved the band. Ordained to
mak his repentance according to the Act.

Mr. George Meldrum declared he had keeped the meeting at Forres, and
shew quhat vas done at the said meetting. The vther bretheren that sould
have keeped vith" him gaue ther excuse, quhilk vas allowed.

The said day, compeired Arthur Stewart, James Christie, John M'Vil-
liam, Alaster Crukshank, Johne Brabner, Norman Lind, Johne Langmure,
parochineris of Botruphnie, confessed ther complyance vith the rebellis.
Ordained to satisfie according to the Act of the Generall Assemblie. And
Walter Ogilvie, in the said paroch, confessed his accession to the shedding
of the blood of the Lordis people. Ordained to satisfie in sackcloth, accord-
ing to the Act.

Att Botarie, 23d February, 1648.

Mr. Robert Jamesone reported, he had vreitten for Mr. William Kinnin-
mont, as he vas ordained the former day.

The said day, compeired Walter Barclay, in name of the parochineris
of Keyth, desyring the presbytrie to provyd ane qualified expectant to
teach ther scoole, seing they had a good provision for the same, Alexander
Ogilvie, wreitter in Edinburgh, hauing mortified eighty libs, of yeirlie rent
of the landis of Achinclech, for the mantenance of ane scoolmaster, as also,
ther ordinare stipend of paroche and kirk casualities in vse of payment
befor ; and, in particular, they desyred that Mr. James Ross sould be
admitted to the said charge, being satisfied in ther opinion vith his

1648.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 85

abilities. The bretheren promised to acquant Mr. James vith the busines,
and desyre him keep the nixt meeting, at quhich tyme thei sould resaue
his answer.

The said day, compeired Jean Gordon, Lady Alter, desyring a testi- Lady Alter,
raonie to the presbytrie of Forres of hir bygone lyf and conversatione.
The bretheren being informed that ther vas some process concerning the
said Jeane Gordon befor the session of Keyth, the extract quherof not
being produced befor the presbytrie, nor the tenor therof knowen, they
continowit the mater to the nixt day, and ordained Walter Barclay, clerk
to the session, to extract the said process, and send to the nixt meeting,
and the [said] Jeane Gordon to keep the said day to that effect.

The said day, compeired William Gordon of Arradouall, James Gor-
don, younger of Merdrum, Robert Hendrie in Masle of Keyth, WiUam
Mackerson in Towie of Botruphnie, and confessed ther accession to the
last rebellion ; subscry ved the band ; ordained to satisfie in ther seuerall
paroche kirkis resjjectiue^ according to the act of the Assemblie.

Att Botarie, 15th Martii, 1648.

Mr. Robert Jamesone reported he had keeped session at Keyth, and Lady Altar.
Walter Barclay sent the extract of ther session concerning the Lady
Altar, as he vas ordained the former day, quher vas found ane delatioune
of the said Jeane Gordon, and personall compearance of hir befor ther
sessioun, the third day of September, 1647, quher shoe vas accused be Mr.
Robert Jamesone, minister ther for the tyme, of ane barne in adulterie to
Nathaniell Gordon, and also of ane vther bairne in fornicatioun vith
Captain Mortimer ; all quhich shoe denyed, and desyred the sessioun to
proue either of them, and she sould satisfie accordinglie. The sessioun
that day not being full, many of the heritoris being absent, resolued to con-
tinov the mater to further tryall. The bretheren, vpon this information,
ordained Mr. James Gordon to goe and hold sessioun at Keyth, the
twenty-seventh Martii, and ther search and try quhat presumptions and
light could be found in the busines, and to report to the presbytrie the
twenty-ninth Martii, that they might proceid heirin according to their in-
formation ; and the said Lady Altar vas aduertised to keep the said day,
for that effect.

Compeired Johne Stewart of Ardbrak, in Botruphnie, and acknow-
ledged his complyance ; ordained to satisfie, according to the act of

86 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1648.

Assemblie. Also, compeired Adam Leslie, Thomas Mugah, parochineris
in Botruphnie, and confessed ther accession to the shedding of the blood
of the Lordis people ; subscryued the band ; ordained to mak ther repent-
ance, in sackcloth, according to the act.

The said day, compeired Mr. Johne Reidfurd, and presented ane letter
from the Commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie, the tenor quherof
followes :

" Reuerend and louing bretheren, having considered your letteris, and
informations sent thervith, and hard Mr. Johne Reidfurd also, at full
lenth ; and finding that yourselfs had once rejected the reasons giwen in
against Mr. John, ve think it strange that, vpon the same reasons, yow
sould haue delayed all this tyme his admissione, especiallie quhen they ver
giwen by one that vas so justly cast out of that place ; and therfor it is
our opinione and aduyse, that you proceed, vithout more delay, to the
admissione of your brother, Mr. Johne, (that yow be not found to blame
for suffering that kirk of Abercherdour lye vaiking so long,) and that not-
vithstanding of thes reasons or appellatioune given to yow by Mr. Richard
Maitland, quherin ve sie no veight or ground to refuse or delay the ad-
missione. This is all ve haue to say, committing the busines to yow, to
doe in it as ye wilbe answerable. And having exonered ourselfs by our full
and brotherlie advyse, we remaine, your louing bretheren, the Commis-
sioneris of the Generall Assemblie ; Mr. Robert Dowglas, Moderator.
Edinburgh, 8th February, 1648." The quhilk being read and considered,
the bretheren ordained Mr. Robert Irving to goe, the nixt Lordis day, to
Abercherdour, and giue institutione and admissione to the said Mr. Johne
Reidfurd to the kirk of Abercherdour.

The said day, the bretheren present reported that they had vrgit familie
exercise vithin ther seuerall congregations, and had appoynted euerie
Thursday in the weeke for catechising and baptisme of children.

Att Keyth, 26th Aprilis, 1648.
The said day, compeired the Laird of Cragivar, vho reported that, long
since, he had giuen ane blank presentatioun to David Leslie, Liuetenant
• Generall, quhilk he hard vas filled vp vith Mr. William Kininmont his
name ; so he expected the said Mr. William sould haue come, clad vith the
said presentatioun. The presbytrie also looked for the same, seing they
had vretin, the second Februar, desyring the said Mr. William to come

1648.1 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 87

and prosecute his presentatioun, shewing him therby his suir calling to the
said charge ; and, seing nether himself nor any vord vas come from him,
the bretheren, vith consent of the Laird of Cragivar and parishoneris of
Keyth, resolued yet to aduertise him, and desyr him come and imbrace the
said charge ; vith certification, if he neyther came nor sent vord quhat his
mynd vas in that busines, again the seventeenth Maii nixt, they void pro-
ceid to the plantatioun of the said kirk, inrespect of the long vacancie
therof, and ordinance of the provinciall theranent.

The said day, vas presented ane letter from the Commissioneris of the
Generall Assemblie, of the dait Martii vltimo, shewing ther proceidings in
the publict effaires of the kirk, together vith a declaratioune to this vhole
kirk and kingdome of Scotland, concerning present dangeris and duties ;
to be read publictly in euerie paroch kirk, according to the act thervith
sent ; quhilk vas ordained to be done, the nixt Lordis day, be the seuerall
bretheren of the presbytrie. The said day also, vas presented from the
Commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie, three propositionis concerning
the ministrie and government of the kirk, vith ane larger catechisme ; to
be advysed vpon again the nixt Generall Assemblie.

Att Keyth, 17th Maii, 1648.

The said day, Mr. Johne Reidfurd vas desyred to put in executione the Lady Fren-
referr of the Provinciall Assemblie concerning the Lady Frendraught, vho ^''"''^"a"*-
answered he had bein nevir entered, and for the present had no residence
in the said paroche, and requyred a tyme to speak and conferr vith hir, and
therafter he sould proceid as the presbytrie sould enjoyne. The bretheren,
vpon this consideratioun, gaue him tyme to the nixt meetting for this
effect.

The said day, the seuerall bretheren being posed if any malignants vithin Adamsone
ther boundis, vho having testified publict repentance for ther malignancie, Innes.
and yet speak against the Covenant and the kingdomes procedour in the
defence therof, reported they hard of none for the tyme, except George
Adamson of Bracco and William Innes in Grange, vho had not satisfied
(as ther minister reported) according to the act in all poyntis, and did not
cary so as became them in the said busines. The mater referred to the
visitatioun of Grange.

Anent the referr of the Provinciall Assemblie, concerning restraint of
kirk buriallis, and that by Saboth dayes buriallis the publict worship be not

88 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1648.

impedit nor prejudged, the bretheren reported they had begun and vas pro-
ceeding for prosecuting the said actis.

Anent the malignants in Keyth, Kinnoir, and Dumbennand, vho had
not satisfied, the ministeris that salbe imployed to preach at the said kirkis
ordained to tak vp ther names, and charge them befor the presbytrie ; and
Mr. Alexander Fraser to goe to Dumbennand the nixt Saboth, and preach,
hold session, and tak notice of ther delinquentis.

The said day, being appoynted for resaving ane answer from David
Leslie, Leiutennant Generall, concerning Mr. William Kininmont his em-
bracing or refusing the presentatioun granted and gifFen to him by the
Laird of Cragivar, patron of Keyth, corapeired the forsaid patron, vho
reported he had sent the presbytrie ther letter to the Liuetennant Generall,
requyring his last answer, vthervayes that the presbytrie void proceid to the
plantatioun of the said kirk ; but no answer vas returned to presbytrie nor
patron, and so they expected nothing from that man forder, seing this day
ves appoynted for that effect ; quhervpon the presbytrie resolued presentlie
to proceed to the nominatioun of a man for the said charge, and after
mature deliberatioun, divers being listed for that effect, patron and pa-
rishoneris all in [one] voyce condescendit vpon Mr. Johne Seatone, minister
at Kemnay, to be ther minister, quhervnto the presbytrie gaue full assent
and consent, knowing the man to be ane able qualified man ; and so the
presbytrie, vith Cragivar and parishoneris, did vreat vitli Alexander Phine
of Achanassie, on of the elderis of Keyth, to the said Mr. Johne Seaton,
showing him his suir call to the said charge, and requyring him to come to
ther paroche kirk of Keyth and giue them a sermon, that all ther people
might be the more fullie satisfied vith his abilities and giftis.

The said day, vas presented ane letter from the Commissioneris of the
Generall Assemblie, of the dait twenty eighth Aprilis, shoving ther pro-
cedour vith the high court of Parliament, by paperis and conferences concern-
ing the ingageraent of war intendit by them, together vith eight propositiones
quhilk by [them] had bein presented to the Parliament for the satisfactioun
of all that are weill affected vithin this kingdome in the mater of the intendit
ingagement ; requyring, also, everie brother to stedfastnes and constancie
in the cans of God, in the midst of all the snares and tentatiounes of those
tymes ; indicting, also, a solemne fast to be keeped the last Saboth of Maii,
for intreating the Lord for mercie and help in this day of our gryt need,
quhilk the bretherin ver ordained to obserue in ther seuerall congregatiouns.

1648.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 89

Mr. George Chalmer reported that James Gordon of Merdrum had fled
the boundis for the tyme, and so nothing to be done vith his process.

Att Glas, 7th Junij, 1648.

The communion celebrat this yeir, and ignorantis debarred and ordained
to be censured.

Compeired the goodvyf of Carnborrow, and being accused for not
communicating, answered, that ane particular tumult and trouble fell out
that same day of preparatiue sermon, betuixt some of her freindis, quhilk
mad hir the mor vnfitt for such ane actioun. Shoe vas ordained to com-
municat primo quoqiie tempore, and the minister to appoynt a particular
dyet for that effect.

The said day, the goodvyf of Achinhandak summondit for not commu-
nicating, called, compeired not ; ordained to be summondit, pro 2"-

The minister and elderis ordained to provyd a bell, and to stent the
parish for that effect.

Ordained to restraine buriallis in the kirk, and to censure all supersti-
tion at Wallak Kirk.

Mr. John Reidfurd reported he had spoken the Lady Frendraught, but Lady Fren-
had found no effect of his travailis ; yet requyred a tyme to conferr vith f^^aught.
hir, seing his entrie vas so schort, and yet no resident. The tyme vas
granted to the nixt day of raeetting.

Anent the referr concerning the Lady Altar, vas presented ane letter. Lady Altar,
vnder hir hand, showing hir inabilitie to travaill, and admitting all these
vitnesses that ver mentioned to her, sane the goodvyf of Newmilne ; so Mr.
Robert Vatsone ordained to sumond the goodvyf of Floores and George
Brabner in Achinheiue, for that effect, against the nixt day.

The said day, vas presented ane letter from the moderator of the pro-
vince, of the dait the last May, requyring the presbytrie to advyse weill
anent the speciall choise of such Commissioneris to the Generall Assemblie
as be vndoubtedly veil affected vnto the speciall endis of the Covenant,
quhervnto ve are all obleidged, vith all the kirk of this kingdome ; also,
ane copie of ane supplicatioune, drawen vp by the Commission of the
Assemblie of Murry, to be exhibit to the Committies of Warre vithin
this province, for the causes and motiues therin contained ; quhilk suppli-
catioun vas red and subscryved be the bretheren, and sent to Mr. Robert
Irving, that he might present the same to the Committie of Warre pre-

M

90 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1648.

sently sitting in Bamf, he being nixt adjacent to the said towne, and
ordained to report the nixt day.

Att Botruphnie, 21st Junij, 1648.

Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported he had spoken the Lady Frendraught, vho
vas villing to heir the vord in any kirk saue Abercherdour, and such as are
vithin the Presbyterie of Strathbogie.

Mr. Robert Irving reported he had gone to the Committie of Bamf,
and ther presented the presbytrie ther supphcation, quhervnto ves an-
swered, they could doe nothing of themselfs ; seing the ingagment vas
concludit by ane superior judicatorie, they behoved to proceid to the
present levie.

The said day, returned ane answer from Johne Seatone, minister at
Kemnay, quherin he renderis thanks to presbytrie, patron, and parishoneris
of Keyth for ther vnaniraous consent and call to the vacant kirk of Keyth,
and for his invitatioun to come and preach, that he might be knowen and
hard by the parochineris, quhilk he promised to doe immediatly after his
returne from the Generall Assemblie; showing also that he hard some
vther ves in suit of that place, so intreatis the bretheren to consider that
ther vnanimous calling of him, invitatioun of parishoneris and patron, vas a
better, more sure, and later right then any former, and so requested he
sould not be put of the stage but vith credit in order and loue ; all quhich
the bretheren thoght meet to be done, and so resolued to continow all till
after the Assembly.

The said day being appoynted for choysing commissioneris to the Ge-
nerall Assemblie, Mr. Robert Jamesone, Mr. Johne Reidfurd, Mr. George
Meldrum, on the list. Mr. Johne Reidfurd and Mr. George Meldrum
chosen for the ministrie, and the Laird of Kempkairne for ruling elder.

Att Rynnje, 5th Julij, 1648.
The said day, was presented ane letter from David Leslie, Liuetennant
Generall, desyring Mr. William Kininmont yet to be presented to the
vacant kirk of Keyth. The bretheren hauing vreitten divers tymes for
that effect, and neuer resaued ane answer till now that they had proceidit
to the nominatioun and presentation of another, they could doe nothing till
Mr. Johne Seatone returned from the Assemblie, and gaue his answer of
accepting or refusing the said charge ; and so appoynted the moderator to

1648.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 91

vreit bak to the Liuetennant Generall, and shew him the reall treuth how
farr by vord and wreat they ver ingadgit to another.

The said day, ane letter from the Comraissioneris of the Generall
[Assembly], indicting a fast the nixt Lordis day.

The said day, the bretheren delyvered to ther comraissioneris full pay-
ment to James Murray his airis of all vas resting be them.

Att Grange, 23d August, 1648.
The said day, compeired Mr. Johne Forbes, minister at Kinkarne, and
ther did show Mr. Johne Seatoun vas returned from the Assemblie, and
vas willing to come and preach at Keyth, as he formerlie promised, saue he
had hard that the presbytrie and some of the parochineris of Keyth had
resolued yet again on Mr. William Kininmont, and so it ver lost labour to
him to come and shew himself, and thus to be deserted inordourlie. The
bretheren not having hard from the said Mr. William vord or vreit since
ther last advertisment to David Leslie of ther procedour, as also hauing
promised to altar nothing of ther former condescendance, resolued yet
againe to acquant the said Mr. Johne vith ther mynd, and requyr him yet
to come and giue them ane sermon between the nixt meetting and this, or
then to send his mynd heiranent by vreat ; quhilk the moderator vas or-
dained to doe, in name of the presbytrie.

Att Keyth, 13th September, 1648.

The said day, the session of Keyth reported that Mr. Johne Seatoun
had preached to them, quherin he gaue them full contentment, and so they
all continowed still requyring him to be ther minister ; quhervpon the bre-
theren resolued to proceid in requyring the said Mr. Johne to come and
embrace so fair ane call ; and so appoynted Mr. Johne Reidfurd for the
presbytrie, and the elderis appoynted William Gordon of Newmilne for
the pariss, to goe to the nixt presbyteriall meetting of Garioch, quhilk they
ver informed vas 28th Septembris, and ther, vith letteris of invitatioune
from the presbytrie and parish, requyre transplantatioun to the said Mr.
Johne ; and they to report to the Provinciall Assemblie, seing ther is no
dyet of the presbytrie after the said day till the Assemblie.

The said day, compeired the tutor of Cragivar, requyring nothing to be Tutor of
done vith the bygone stipend of Keyth in prejudice of the heire, and that Cragiewar.
the said tutor be advertised quhen the said stipend is to be destribut, that

92 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1648.

he might giue his consent heirto. The Provincial! Assemblie ther advyse
to be taken in the said particvlar.

The said day, compeired the Laird of Park, regraiting the remowall of
ane deask in the kirk of Glas be Beldornie, to quhich James Gordon, in
name of his brother Beldornie, did answer, that he being enjoyned at the
visitatioun to fill that rowrae befor Mertimes, or lose his rowme, he did buy
ane deask erected be ane George Calder, neuer parishoner of Glas, but
vpon his father his buriall, vho departed in that parish, and so filled his de-
signed rowme vith that deask. The Laird of Park, showing that his lady
did sitt in that rowme for the space of tuo yeiris, and neuer challenged befor
this tyme, he not being aduertised of the day of the visitatioun of the kirk,
quhen the said rowme vas ordained to be filled be Beldornie. The bretheren,
being loath to transgress ther former act, and also to disobleise that reli-
gious Lady of Park, ordained the deask to stand voyd from both till forder
try all again the nixt day.

The said day, Alexander Phine of Achanasie regrated the stoole of re-
pentance vas just aboue his deask quhilk he had erected, quher he vas
somquhat disturbit be ther motion in time of divyne service, nether vas the
said stoole so conspicuous to the congregatioun as it oght. The said Alex-
ander promising to remow it vpon his owne charges, vas ordained to erect
the said stoole of repentance to the for part of the comon loft, so that it be
vithout prejudge of the said loft.

No report from the Lady Altar, seing it vas declared shoe vas lying in
childbirth. Ordained to be aduertised again the nixt day. Hir vitness or-
dained to be processit till they compeir.

The bretheren having resaued the causes of a fast from the late Gene-
ral! Assemblie, reported they had keeped the same.

Mr. Johne Reidfurd and Mr. George Meldrum, commissioneris to the
General! Assemblie, having returned, produced a declaratioun of the said
Assemblie against the present ingadgment, as also tuo other actis, in vreit,
to be intimat in the seueral! congregations of the presbytrie, as also ane
vther letter from the Commissioneris of the General! Assemblie, of the dait
twentieth Junij, vith a declaratioun of the saidis Commissioneris, of the dait
fifth Maii, pryce quherof six shillings the peice.

Att Botarie, 27th Septembris, 1648.
The said day, compeired tuo commissioneris from the sessioun of Keyth,

1648.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 93

requyring the advyse of the presbytrie anent some of the bygone stipend of
Keyth, quhilk they void giue to Mr. James Ross, ther scoolmaster, vho
had preached daylie to them this half yeir, and by reason of the vacancie of
the kirk, he vas much prejudged of that quhich vas his due. The bretheren
referred the mater to the Provinciall Assemblie, as befor, concerning the
imployment of the said stipend.

The bretheren remoued, and seuerallie posed concerning ther doctrine,
lyf, and conversatioune, and affection to the vork of reformatioune, ver ap-
prouen. Onlie, Mr. Alexander Fraser regraited Mr. Robert Watsone had
condescendit and setled vith Mr. James Rany, his scoolmaster, vithout his
knowledge, advyse, or consent ; quhervpon it vas ordained that no scool-
master sould remow, nor be resett, vithout consent of the presbytrie in
tymcoming ; and Mr. Robert Irving seldome had keeped this half yeir.

Att Botarie, 25th October, 1648.

The said day, the bretheren ordained to intimat out of their seuerall
pulpitis, that vhosoeuer receitis and converses vith excommunicat personis,
sould be processed befor the presbytrie.

The said day, Mr. Johne Reidfurd ordained to sumond the Lady Fren- Lady Fren-
draught for hir avowed papistrie, receit of masse preistis, etc. Having bein draught,
many tymes cited alreadie for the said cause, and no obedience giuen, to
heir and sie hirself declared contumax, and the censuris of the kirk or-
dained to proceid against hir, and that againe the fifteenth day of No-
ueraber.

Thomas Dey, in Glas, having bein decerned by ther sessioun to satisfie Dey.
for his absence from the kirk, in place of giving satisfactioun the day ap-
poynted, being called therto by the minister, he satt in his seat against the
pulpit and railed against the minister, and vith execrable oaths said be void
not acknovledge them nor ther sentence, being summondit to this day for
his miscariage, called, compeired not. Ordained to be summondit pro "1°-

The said day, compeired Thomas Forbes, in name of Robert Forbes,
tutor of Cragivar, and ther produced ane presentatioun, quherin Mr. Johne
Young, minister at Keig, vas nominat to be minister at Keyth, quhilk the
bretheren could not accept, inrespect the said Mr. Johne vas not present,
nor the parochineris of Keyth to giue ther consent, but cheiflie becaus they
alledgit the richt of patronage, pro tempore,^ vas fallen in ther handis jure
devoluto, seing no presentatioune, nor man presented, came to the presbytrie

94 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1648.

this yeir and half bygone, since Mr. Alexander Garioch did freelie giue
bak his presentatioun ; and so, according to the ordinance of the Provin-
ciall Assemblie vpon Mr. Johne Seatone his refuse of the call to the said
charge (quhilk now he had done), they resolued to proceid in the said
plantatioun, and the parochineris of Keyth ordained to keep the nixt day.

Att Gartlye, 6th December, 1648.

The quhilk day, the bretheren posed Mr. William Reid, minister at
Gartly, if he had subscryued the Act of Parliament approuing the kit
vnlawfull ingadgment, vho ansuered he could not know, vnles the act ver
produced. The elderis that ver present, quhilk ver only tuo or thrie, ver
also posed quhat they knev in the said particular, ansuered, they remem-
bered no such thing, albeit the bretheren ver informed he had done the
same publictly in the pulpit, befor the congregatioun, as vas told the said
elderis, vho ansuered they ver not present to sie the same if it vas done ;
so that both the minister and his elderis denyed any such thing, so farre as
they remembered. Quhervpon the bretheren resolued to charge the whole
elderis, and some otheris of the parochin, to compeir befor them at Botarie,
twenty seventh December, ther to declare, vpon ther oath, quhat they knew
in the said particular, and presentlie charged such as ver present, apud acta,
to compeir day and place forsaid.

The said day, compeired Johne Gordone of Artlach, and humblie ac-
knowledgit his accession to the late rebellion. Vas ordained to goe nixt
Lordis day to Botarie, and mak his repentance in sackcloth, and subscryv
the band made thereanent, quhilk vas not present this day.

No report, this day, from Mr. Johne Reidfurd, concerning the Lady
Frendraught, in respect of the said Mr. Johne his absens ; nether vas
ther any report concerning the Lady Altar. A new summondis direct to
Johne Grant of Blersindie, against twenty seventh December.

The said day, Mr. George Chalmer reported he had spoken thes vho
had charge of the Saturdayes mercat at Rynie, and desyred them to
change the same, for the better observing of the Lordis day, as the rest
of the kingdome had done ; but these vho had it in tak ver loath to doe
it, fearing ther prejudice, seing they peyed so much for the same ; but vas
villing to doe it quhen they took a new tak therof againe, and quhen Keyth
and the rest of the province did the lyk.

The report of the bretheren, concerning the enormities of the souldiouris

1648.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 95

in the late levie, vas, that the officiaris ver exorbitant in exacting the
same ; and divers profanatiouns of the Lordis day and divyne service, by
the souldiouris.

Mr. Johne Reidfurd excused for his former dayes absence.

The said day, the Lady Frendraught summondit vt supra, called, com- Lady Fren-
peired not. Being oft and diveris tymes cited befor, was now declared draught,
conturaax, and Mr. Johne Reidfurd ordained to proceid, vith all diligence,
vith hir process.

Mr. Robert Jamesone reported, that Johne Gordon of Artlach had Gordon,
satisfied, as he vas ordained, but had not subscryved the band, quhilk vas
not present, being in the clerk his hand ; but the said Johne had promised
to doe it quhensoeuer he sould be requyred.

No report from the parishoneris of Keyth. The bretheren ver loath to
proceid in the plantatioun of the said kirk, vithout ther consent, and so
they ver ordained to be aduertised of new by the moderator to keep the
nixt day for that effect. As also, the tutor of Cragivar send ane letter to
the presbytrie, shewing how willing he vas to sie that kirk of Keyth
planted by the consent of the parochineris and presbytrie, and for this
effect send ane list of thrie men, viz., Mr. Johne Young, Mr. Andro
Abercrombie, Mr. James Hervie, that the parishoneris might mak ther
choice ; quhilk list the presbytrie sent to the parochineris, and took all to
consideratioun till the nixt day.

Ther hauing come from the moderator to euerie brother vithin the
presbytrie an act of the Commission of the Kirk, of the dait sixth October,
for renewing the Solemne League and Covenant, together vith a solemne
acknowledgment of the publict sinis and breaches of the Covenant, vith
intimatioun of a solemne publict humiliatioun and fast, to be intimat the
second Saboth of December, to be kept the nixt Thursday and Lordis
day thereafter ; at quhich intimatioun the League and Covenant, and the
publict acknowledgment of sinis and engagement vnto duties, are to be
publictlie read by the minister, in audience of all the people, and therafter
the Solemne League and Covenant to be suorne and subscryved by the
minister and all the people, as the act at more lenth proportis. All quhich
vas accordinglie performed be the whole bretheren, the dayes forsaid, but
all ther congregations had not subscryved as yet. The bretheren ordained
to proceid in vrging and requyring the subscriptionis of such as are not
debarred by the said act, and to report the nixt day.

96 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1648.

The said day, corapeired Mr. Richard Maitland, being summondit for
transgressing some actis of the Generall Asserablie, viz., for preaching
since his deposition, intromitting vith the stipend, and possessing himself
vith gleib and manse due to Mr. Johne Reidfurd, present minister at
Abercherdour. Quher, first, he vas posed if he did preach or mak lecture
in Kinardie since his deposition, answered, that being sent for by the
Laird of Frendraught, he came in the afternoone to Kinardie, and,
according to the practise of that hous, being requyred, said prayeris, and
red two or three [verses] of Psalm 119, and gaue ane obseruation
thervpon, quhilk he alledgit he might doe as a private man, according to
the rules of the directorie for familie worship. Second, being posed if he
intromitted with any stipend belonging to the minister of Abercherdour,
answered, he had taken vp some teynd siluer and teynd victuall and
wicarage of the forty seventh yeir ; becaus he thoght, both in conscience,
reason, and law, he had right therto. As also, he had vsed arrestment
and inhibition, in a legall vay, against all kirk duties for forty eight, and
had forbidden the parochineris to giue Mr. Johne Reidfurd any for forty
seven and forty eight, quhilk he thoght properlie belonged to himself; as
he alledgit that vtheris in his conditione had gotten the forsaid yeiris forty
seven and forty eight.

Att Botarie, 24th Januarii, 1649.
The said day, compeired the tutor of Cragivar, and againe requyred
the presbytrie and parochineris of Keyth quhilk of the thrie he formerlie
sent in list thei void mak choyce of. The presbytry answered, that all
thes thrie ver honest men, and any of them sould be welcome to them ;
and so albeit they thoght the right of presenting did properlie belong to
themselfs, and so it vas rather in ther power to give the parishoneris a
list, yet, vishing the hastie planting of that too long vacant kirk, and not
villing to enter into forder controversie, resolued to giue vay to the list,
and so referred the election of the man to the parishoneris of Keyth,
from quhom vas come commissi oneris, in name of the whole paroche,
William Gordon of Newmilne, James Gordon of Birkinburn, Gilbert
Barclay of Allanbuy, and ther did shew that all ther parochin had con-
veened among themselfs, and considered of the list sent to them befor,
and, after mature deliberation, had resolved, all in one voyce, to accept of
Mr. James Hervie to be their minister; quhervnto the presbytry gaue

1649.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 97

ther assent, thinking therby to haue a speedie plantatioun of the said kirk,
and so ordained the parishoneris of Keyth to send one or tuo of ther
number, and requyre the said Mr. James to come and giue them a ser-
mon, fourth February, quhilk they promised to doe if the presbytry void
vreit vith them, as they had done for Mr. Johne Seaton, quhilk also vas
granted.

Compeired, of the parishoneris of Garlty, only George Gordon, in Cu-
lithie, and Patrick Gordon, at the Milne of Gartly, and being requyred to
declare quhat they knew anent ther minister his subscription of the Act of
Parliament, refused they knev any thing, or to giue ther oath ; quhervpon
the bretheren resolued to keep yet once at Gartly, and charge the whole
parochineris to be present, to put that mater once to ane poynt, and yet, in
the meane tyme, the tuo forsaid elderis requyred the presbytry to giue
them ane able man to be ther minister ; and, in particular, gaue in ane
supplicatioun, subscryved vith four of ther handis, for Mr. James Ross,
now schoolmaster at Keyth, to be helper to ther pastor ; and, immediatly
therafter, they gaue ane vther supplicatioun, subscryved vith the same
handis, for Mr. Johne Logic, sometyme minister at Ruthven, to be ther
pastor. The bretheren answered, they could giue no answer to ther sup-
plicatioun till ther minister ver tryed anent the subscription of the Act of
Parliament, and the kirk ver declared vacand, and for that effect they ver
to come and visit the said kirk the twenty-first February, and requyred the
vhole parochin to keep for that effect.

The said day, Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported that, after sermon, out of Lady Fren-
the pulpit, he did giue the Lady Frendraught the first publict admonition *''''^"S"*-
the last day of December, 1648 ; and, vpon the seventh day of Januar,
after sermon, he had giuen the Lady Frendraught the second publict admo-
nition. Ordained to proceid.

Compeired Mr. Richard Maitland, and being accused for transgressing Maitland.
some actis of the Generall Assemblie, vt supra, answered, that quherin he
had transgressed in lecturing vithin Kinardie, against the act, he willinglie
submitted himself to any censure of the presbytrie ; and also having granted
the possessing of himself as yet vith the gleib and manse, and intromission
vith the stipend forty-seven, he vas content to submitt himself simplie to
the presbytry, and to tak quhateuer they, vpon ther consciences, thoght
sufficient, ether for bigging or of stipend. After he had been hard and
given his reasonis, the mater continowed to the nixt day.

N

98 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1649-

The bretheren reported they ver stirring vp ther people daylie to the
subscription of the League and Covenant, and ver getting some more handis
therto then befor. Ordained to continow and report.

The said day, Mr. William Jamesone produced his testificat from the
Presbytrie of Deir, quherin they giue him ane good testimonie for his lyf
and conversation, and that he had giuen a privat tryall on the mater of ther
exerceise, quherin had giuen them satisfation. The presbytry thoght meet
to proceed vith the rest of his tryallis, and so gaue him the controversie,
De perseverentia sanctorum, to handle the nixt day, seventh February.

Att Botarie, 7th February, 1649.

The said day, Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported, by his letter, that, vpon the
twenty-eighth of Januar, he had giuen the Lady Frendraught the third and
last publict admonition, and vpon the fourth February, 1649, he had giuen
the forsaid lady the first prayer. Ordained to proceid.

The said day, ane summondis, direct to Mr. Richard Maitland, to be
present the nixt day, to heir and sie himself decerned to remow from the
bigging possessed by him at Abercherdour, and to satisfie for his vther
oversightis and breaches.

Att Gartly, 21st February.

No meetting, inrespect of the storme. The nixt meetting appoynted be
the moderator to be at Gartly, the seventh of March, quhilk also vas not
keeped, inrespect of the gryt storme.

Ther having come from the moderator ane letter sent from the Commis-
sioneris of the General Assemblie, of the dait sixth February, appoynting a
solemne publict humiliatioun to be kept the twenty-second February: 1,
For all the sinis of the land, so, in speciall, that the Lord void delyver the
king from the snare of euill counsell, in quhich he is now involued, and
teach him in his youth to imploy his power for establishing and advancing
the kingdome of Christ and the work of reformation ; 2. That the Lord
wold be pleased to blisse those addressis that are now to be made to his
Majestic for securitie of religion, the vnion betuixt the kingdomes, and the
peace and saiftie of this kingdome ; 3. That he void strengthen and de-
lyver our afflicted bretheren in England vho suffer by the violence of sec-
taries ; 4. That he void, in his mercy, prevent all thes calamities and con-
fusions that the present gryt revolution of effaires doth threatten thes

1649.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 99

kingdomes with ; vith the quhilk letter vas appoynted a meetting at Gartly,
fourteenth Martii, 1649.

At Gartly, 14th Martii, 1649.

Conveined the moderator and bretheren. Mr. Johne Reidfurd taught,
Hosea 12, v. 8.

The quhilk day being appoynted for visitatioun of the said kirk, the el-
deris being all present, ver suorne, vith vplifted handis, to declare quhat
they knew concerning ther minister in the particularis they sould be posed
vpon ; and, first, concerning his doctrine, they answered, his voyce vas
veak, and himself infirme in body, and had not bein able to come to the
church diveris dayes preceiding, and that he vas blameles in lyf [and] con-
versatioun. Therafter the minister himself vas asked if he had subscryved
the Act of Parliament approuing the late vnlawfuU ingagement ; denyed
the same as befor, and desyred the act to be produced, or then proue the
same. The bretheren being informed of his transgressioun, not only in the
forsaid particular, but also diveris vther actis, remoued him, and posed the
elderis, according to ther oath, as followes : 1. If he had subscryued the
forsaid act ; George Gordon in Culithie, answered, he vas not tyed to de-
clare that, but himself had done it, and vas requyerer of the parish to doe it ;
but William Gordon in Vestseat, Patrik Gordon at the Milne of Gartly,
Alexander Anderson in Gartly, William Chalmer, and the rest, deponed
they saw him publictlie tak that act and pen in his hand and subscryv, and
saw his name therafter at the same. 2. They ver posed if ther minister
keeped a day in the week for catechising and baptizing children, or if he
did baptize any in his own private hous ; answered, he baptized quheneuer
he vas requyred, and that lately he had baptized privatly in his hous.
3. They confessed he had ane James Marr, reader, continowing in his
office, contrar to the directorie. 4. Being posed if he had remowed the
subscribentis of that Act from his session, according to the Act of the
Commission of the Kirk, answered, Not, for both minister and elderis ver
all guilty of the said fault. The bretheren hauing hard thir particularis
prouen, did call the said Mr. William Reid, minister, and shew him how
all thir ver prouen against him, and that they looked he wold haue beine
more ingenous, and, as it became ane of his yeiris and place, to haue de-
clared the same at the first, and holdin in the gryt paines of the presbytrie
in tryall of the same. After mature deliberatioun, the bretheren, consider-

100

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1649.

ing the infirmitie and veaknes of his old age, resolued to suspend him till
the Provinciall Asserablie ; quhilk sentence of suspension being intimat to
him, he said he void appeale to the Provinciall Assemblie, and giue in his
reasonis.

The said day, the forsaid elderis gaue ane supplicatioun againe for Mr.
James Ross to be helper to ther minister, but, as befor, the bretheren
answered they could doe nothing heirin till the Assemblie, that the kirk be
declared vacand or not, and therafter they sould get the presbitry ther
judgment and answer to the said supplicatioun. But they desyred ane
present answer, or then that ther supplication sould be presented to the
Asserablie, quhilk they promised to attend for answer, quhilk is heir
affixed.

The said [day], vas produced ane letter from the Commission of the
Kirk, of the dait thirtieth Januarii, 1649, requyring the presbyterie to be
circumspect, and tak good head quhom they admit to the Covenant ; and
also requyring the report of our diligence, vith the names of the persons
debarred from the Covenant vithin our seueral parochins ; quhervpon the
bretheren ver ordained to bring ther seuerall diligences in the mater of the
Covenant the nixt day.

Compeired Johne Hamiltoun, in Kinnoir, and offered to satisfie the
kirk for his accession to the late rebellion, and being guiltie of subscryving
the act of parliament, and presenting it to the paroche. The bretheren
continowed the receiving of him till they gote the Provinciall Assemblie ther
advyse. He also declared, his father, James Hamiltoun, vas altogether
vnable to travaill.

Compeired Mr. Richard Maitland, and being posed vhy he void not
remow from his gleib and manse, according to the act of the Generall
Assembly, answered, Let Mr. Johne Reidfurd be remowed, and he sould
giue his reasonis, seing he took him as partie ; but the said Mr. Johne
shew he vas no partie, but as a minister, delated Mr. Richard Maitland,
his parochiner, for transgressing some actis of the Generall Assemblie ;
and yet was willing to remow, if the presbitry sould command him. The
bretheren referred it to Mr. Johne Reidfurd his owne will to remow or
not. Mr. Richard, finding Mr. Johne not remowing, did appeale from
the presbytrie, and gaue in his appeale, the tenor quhereof followes :

" Forasmuch as the Presbytrie of Strathbogie are threatning to proceid
with ecclesiastik censures for civill causes, viz., becaus I vill not quyt my

1649.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 101

bigging vithout satisfactioun, conforrae to the practice of the countrie,
notvithstanding I vas euer willing to referr myself to the said judicatorie,
or any judicious freinds, to decerne as they void be answerable to God,
(in all our differs, after reasons hard pro et contra,) vpon ther con-
sciences ; quherfor witt ye me to be necessitat, for preventing such vnhard
practises and partialities, till appeale ; lykas I doe heirby presently ap-
peale, for thes and many vther reasons justly to be alledgit and adduced,
to the nixt Provinciall or Generall Assemblies, as superior competent
judicatories, by this my appellatioune, so subscryved vith my hand, at
Gartly, fourteenth Martii, 1649. Subscrihitur, Mr. Richard Maitland."

The said day, ane letter from Mr. James Hervie, showing he could not
keep the day appoynted to him to preach at Keyth, inrespect of the
storrae, and that he vas villing to obey the former call of the parishoneris
and presbytrie, provyding they obtaine ane act of transportatioun from
this presbytrie.

Att Botarie, 28th Martii, 1649.

Mr. William Jamesone taught, Coll. 2, v. 6. His travaiHs approuen.

Compeired George Brambner, in Grange, and being suorne to depone Lady Altar.
quhat he knew anent the child alledgit to be borne by the Lady Altar,
befor hir mariage, deponed that the said Lady Altar desyred him to goe
to Mr. Robert Watsone, and desyre hira baptize ane bairne, quhilk if he
did, he sould get freinds ; vthervayes, it sould turne to his hurt and
harme ; and that the said Lady said the bairne vas Captain Mortimeris.

The said day, vas produced Johne Grant of Blearfindie his deposi-
tioun, the tenor quherof followes :

Att Inverraven, the twenty first Martii, 1649. The quhilk day com-
peired Johne Grant of Blairfindie, being summondit to declare in the
mater of a bairne that vas fostered in his boundis, quhilk vas reported to
haue beine begottin in fornicatioune by the Lady Glengarak, vho, being
suorne, deponed ther vas a bairne brought be a voman to his boundis, and
giuen by hir to a cotter manis vyf, to be fostered, and the vomen said the
bairne vas a gentlemanis in James Grahame his armie. He confessed
lykvys, that, at the request of George Hay of Murifoild, he vent to Mr.
Johne Ray, and desyred baptisme to the bairne, quhilk the said Mr.
Johne refused. Declaired lykvyse, that the report vas, and he himself
also suspected it to be so, that the Lady Glengarak vas mother of the

102 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1649.

bairne, but affirmed that he had not certain knowledge heirof. His sus-
pitione thereof, he said, vas groundit vpon inforraatioun he had from his
vyf, who, as he apprehendit, had it from a sister of hirs, who came
tuise to visit the bairne during the tyme it vas fostering. He declared the
bairne vas remowed from thence in the begining of harvest last, but vhither
or be quhom he cannot tell.

The said day, George Adamson of Fluires sent ane letter, shewing his
wyf vas bigg vith child, and so could not keep this day ; but howsoon shoe
vas delyvered, she sould come and declare quhat shoe knew in the forsaid ac-
tioune ; quhervpon the bretheren thoght meet, to hastin the process, that Mr.
Johne Reidfurd, Mr. James Gordon, Mr. Robert Irving, sould goe to hir
hous, in ther journey to the Assemblie, and tak her deposition, and report
ether to the Assemblie or Presbytrie.

Compeired the Lady Altar personally, showing the Presbytrie of
Forres vare processing her for not reporting hir testimoniall from vs of her
cariage during hir abode in Keyth, quhilk the presbitry could not grant
till the probatioun led against hir in the forsaid actioune of ane alledgit
bairne to be borne by hir befor hir raariage ver closed ; at quhich tyme shoe
promised to satisfie, as she sould be found to haue transgressed. And
being asked vhy shoe void not admitt the goodvyf of Newmilne as vitness
against hir, answered, they had discordit, three yeiris since, about milne
materis ; quhilk exception, if relevant, referred to the Provincial Assemblie
to judge.

Mr. Robert Jamesone reported, that all the people of Ruthven, for the
most part, had subscryved the Act of Parliament, and so ver not capable
of admission to the League and Covenant, having been malignantis
befor ; and in Botarie, only fyw had subscryved as yet.

Mr. James Gordon reported, that all his people had subscryved, saue
tuo, quhom he hoped to get it, and the Laird of Rothemay, vho com-
peired, and acknowledgit he had subscryved the Act of Parliament ; quhilk
he said he did vpon informatioune at that tyme, that the Commissioneris of
the Generall Assemblie had agreed vith the parliament ; and thus humblie
acknowledgit his oversight in doing of the same. The bretheren, finding
after inquisition he had neuer bein vpon the rebellion, but euer for the
reformation, ordained to goe the nixt Lordis day to his paroch kirk, and
ther, after acknowledgment of his oversight, to be resaued to sweir and
subscryve the League and Covenant, and to satisfie for two slaughteris.

1649.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 103

Mr. Robert Vatsone reported, that all his people had subscryved the
League and Covenant, except Bracco and Fluires, vho had subscryved
the Act of Parliament, and ver malignantis befor, and so to be excludit.

Compeired, Thomas Boyd in Grange, and confessed his going on in the
late ingagement, quhilk he vas forced to by his commander, David Bar-
clay ; and so he not having had command in the service, vpon his acknow-
ledgment of his doings befor the congregatioun, vas ordained to be resaued
to the Covenant.

Mr. Alexander Fraser reported, that all his people for the most part had
suorne and subscryved the League and Covenant, except Johne Anderson
of Westertoun.

Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported, that many of his people had subscryved,
but some ver debarred by the Act, and vtheris had refused.

Mr. Robert Irving reported, that all his people had subscryved except
George Spens, quhom he hoped to obtain.

Mr. George Meldrum reported, that all his people for the most part had
subscryved, and he hoped to get the rest.

Mr. George Chalmer reported, that only twenty-four of his people had
subscryved, and thes of the coraon sort, except the Laird of Lesmoir, elder,
and so had no sessioun for the tyme ; some of his elderis having subscryved
the Act of Parliament, otheris alledging only (as he vas informed) they had
subscryved the Act, and so void not subscryv, albeit he had published the
explanatioun of the Act, debarring such from the Covenant.

The said day, compeired Mr. James Hervie, minister at Wpper Macher,
and produced ane presentatioune to the kirk of Keyth, giuen to him be
Robert Forbes, tutor of Cragivar, patron of the said kirk, vpon the nomina-
tioune and call formerlie made of the said Mr. James to the ministrie of the
said charge at Keyth, be the moderator and remanent bretheren of the
presbytrie of Strathbogie, and parochineris of Keyth, be the letteris of
invitatioune send be tuo gentlmen of the said parochin to the said Mr.
James, desyring him to accept of the said charge. In respect quherof, the
said Mr. James declared himself willing befor the presbitry, and readie to
obey the call and embrace the said charge, provyding that the presbytrie
and parochineris void be pleased, in ane fair vay, to seek and obtaine vnto
him from the Presbytrie of Aberdein, quherof he is ane member for the
present, ane act of transplantatioun, according to the established ordour and
disciplin of the kirk. The presbitry having hard and sein the said presen-

104 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1G49.

tation, thoght that the right of presenting belonged to themselfs, yet re-
ferred the consideratioun of ther vhole proceedings heirin to the Provincial!
Assemblie.

Mr. Robert Watson regrated the kindling of neidfyre vithin his parochin.
Referred to the consideratioun of the Assemblie of course to be taken heir-
with.

The said day, Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported he had giuen the Lady
Frendraught the third and last prayer, after sermon, out of the pulpit, the
twenty-fifth Martii ; and lykvys, he had summondit the said Lady Fren-
draught to compeir befoir the presbytrie, at Botarie, the twenty-eighth
Martii, ther to heir and sie the process revised and allowed, that the sen-
tence of excommunicatioun may be pronunced, or then to alledge ane
reasonable cause vhy the saraen sould not be done ; vith certificatioun, if
shoe compeir not, the forsaid sentence void be decerned to be pronunced
against hir. Immediatlie therafter being called, compeired not. The pro-
cesse ordained to be extract against the nixt day and subscryved, [that] the
sentence might be pronunced.

The bretheren remowed seuerallie, and seriouslie examined concerning
ther doctrine, lyf, and conversatioune, and affectioune to the vork of refor-
raatioun, ver approuen ; only Mr. Robert Irving his frequent absence re-
g raited.

Att Gartly, 24th Aprilis, 1649.
The quhilk day, being appoynted for resauing Mr. William Reid his
demissione of his charge, conforme to his oifer sent in commissione be
Johne Innes and William Straquhen to the Assemblie, no sederunt, in
respect the most part of the bretheren ver attending the Leiutennant
Generall, vho for the tyme vas vithin the boundis of the presbytrie. The
nixt meetting the same day eight dayes.

Att Gartly, 1st Maii, 1649.
Anent the referr of the Provinciall Assemblie for receauing Mr. William
Reid his dimission of his charge, according to his former offer, compeired
the said Mr. William Reid, and most villinglie dimittit his charge of the
ministrie, and desyred the bretheren to declare his kirk vacand the nixt
Lordis day, and to be carefull vith all possible diligence to plant the said
kirk vith ane honest and able man ; and seing he had bein ane old servant

1649.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 105

in the Lordis hous thir many yeiris bygone, and diveris restis being justlie
awand him for his bygone seruice, requyred the presbytrie ther concurrence
and assistance for his better peyment, and lykvys that they void sie him
satisfied of his successor for his bigging and manse ; quhervnto the bre-
theren fuUie condescendit, and promised ther assistance in all that justlie
concerned the said William.

Mr. George Chalmer ordained to preach at Gartly the nixt Lordis day,
and declare the said kirk vacand.

Att Botarie, penult Maij, 1649.

Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported the Lady Frendraught vas in Muchill for Lady Fren-
the tyme, and so he could doe nothing in hir processe till hir returne, that d'"^"?'^*-
he miffht show hir the Assemblie ther ordinance.

Compeired James Henderson, Alexander Gardner, William Dyker, Kendleris of
Andrew Henderson, William Henderson, Androw Wright, Androw Neidfyre.
Crystie, William Brabner, parishoneris of Grange, confessed they ver
present at the kindling of neidfyre, and did nothing but as they ver de-
sired be James Duncan in Keyth. Also, they delated some of their owne
elderis to haue been accessorie therto, viz.^ [ ] Thomas Hender-

son, Alexander Gray, George Liuingstoun, Johne Fordyce in Rothemay,
all ordained to satisfie according to the ordinance of the Provinciall As-
semblie, vith three dayes repentance in sackcloth.

The said day, the kirk of Gartly having bein declared vacand be Mr.
George Chalmer, vt supra, compeired Johne Innes of Codrane, in name
of the parishoneris of Gartly, and most earnestlie entreated the presbytrie
for a speedie plantatioun of ther kirk vith ane able and qualified man ; and
in particular, did nominat and requyr Mr. Johne Chalmer, minister at In-
verraven, to come and giue them ane sermon, that, being found qualified
by the presbytrie, he may be admittit ther minister. The bretheren, taking
the mater to ther consideratioune, approued the said nominatioune, and
resolued to giue the said Mr. Johne ane call to the said charge ; and pre-
sentlie ordained Mr. Alexander Fraser to aduertise the said Mr. Johne
Chalmer of the intention of the presbytrie to present him to the said kirk
of Gartly, and to desyr him, in name of the presbytrie, to come and preach
at Gartly on Sounday come eight dayes, that, vpon contentment giuen to
the people, the presbytrie might proceid in the said plantatioun vith gryter
diligence and contentment.

o

106 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1649-

Att Keyth, 13th Junij, 1649.

The quhilk day being appoynted for plantatioun of the said kirk, and to
sie how the manse therof vas repaired vith the four hundred merkis allotted
for that vse, compeired the Laird of Kempkairne, vith the rest of elderis,
quher it vas declared that Mr. James Hervie had ane presentatioun to the
said kirk, vith ane fair call from presbytrie and people ; yet seing the pres-
bytrie saw no appearance of getting transplantatioune to the said Mr. James,
and that the most part of the elderis did pass from any call or invitatioune
to the said Mr. James, the bretheren resolued to proceid to the nominatioun
of some other qualified man. Quhervpon the gentlemen and elderis ver
desyred now at last, after so long vacancie of ther kirk, to fix ther eyes on
some able man for that charge ; and so, after mature deliberatioun, they all
ther present in one voyce nominated and desyred Mr. William Kininmonth
(long since presented and called by letteris of invitatioune from the pres-
bytrie) to be ther minister ; quhilk electioun of theris the bretheren vnani-
mouslie approued, and desyred the parishoneris to joyne with the presbytrie
in sending letteris of invitatioune and a new call to the said Mr. William,
quhilk the same day vas drawne vp, and sent south accordingly.

The said day, compeired Robert Wilson, treasurer at Grange, and being
requyred to giue ane compt of ane hundred merkis of comon gud quhilk
vas in his handis, answered, it vas plundered from him in the tyme of
troubles, quhilk he offerred to proue presentlie be Patrik Longmure and
Patrik Neil ; vho being present, declared that they saw his hous plundered,
and money taken, but they knew not quhat money it vas, nor how meikle
vas of it. The mater referred to the civill judge, as most properlie be-
longing to his judicatorie.

The said day, compeired Johne Innes of Codran and George Gordon in
Culithie, and declared that Mr. Johne Chalmer had come and preached at
Gartly, as he vas desyred be the presbytry, quherin he had giuen the pa-
rishoneris full contentment, and so requyred a raeetting at ther kirk for the
more speedie plantatioun therof vith the said Mr. Johne ; quhervnto the
bretheren condescendit, and appoynted the said Mr. Johne to preach befor
presbytry and people, twentieth Junij ; that, being found to giue content-
ment to both, they may giue him a fair call and invitatioune to embrace
the said charge.

1649.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 107

Att Gartly, 20th Junij, 1649.
Mr. Johne Chalmer taught, Ephes. 2, v. 19. The parishoneris being
present, ver seuerallie posed concerning quhat they had hard the said day
and the former Saboth of the said Mr. Johne Chalmer his doctrine,
quherin they declared themselfs fuUie satisfied, and all in one voyce most
earnestlie supplicated the presbytrie to admitt the said Mr. Johne to be
ther minister, and that vith all convenient diligence. The bretheren,
taking the mater to ther consideratioun, being satisfied also vith the
abilities of the man for the said charge, did vnanimouslie condescend to
the said Mr. Johne his admission ; and, for the more speedie performance
quherof, (considering the diuers vacand kirkis they had vithin the boundis
of the presbytrie,) presentlie appoynted Mr. George Meldrum, vith one of
the elders of Gartly, to goe to his presbytrie of Inveraven, and deal
earnestly vith the said presbytrie for ane act of transplantatioun to the
said Mr. Johne, vho had so fair ane call from presbytrie and people to
the said charge.

Att Dumbennand, 4th Julij, 1649.

The said day having been appoynted for planting the tuo vnited kirkis
of Kinnoir and Dumbennand, compeired the gentlemen and elderis therof,
who, being posed if they had thoght vpon a minister to serue ther kirkis,
seing they had bein so long destitute of the benefite of the word, answered,
they had not fallen as yet vpon ane able man quhom they thoght meet for
that charge, but requyred a tyme, quherin they sould vse ther diligence,
and giue account therof to the presbytrie ; and also desyred the bretheren
to tak ther case to ther consideratioun, and labour to inform themselfs of
the man they thoght fittest for that charge, that, if both could fall vpon ane
quahfied man, ther place might be filled, with consent of both. The
moderator posed them if they ver villing to haue ther kirkis planted
seuerallie, that both might be served Sabothlie, vho answered, they vould
giue no consent therto, nether could they, being but mowable tennantis ;
albeit they acknowledged a gryt good to them in ther seuerall plantatiounis.
The mater continowed till the returne of ther commissioner.

The said day, Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported, the Lady Frendraught Lady Fren-
vas presentlie returned from Muchill, and vas present at familie vorship f'''''*"ght.
vithin hir owne famiUe, and promised to heir sermon, of quhom he saw
nothing but good bcginings to giue obedience ; quhervpon the sentence of

108 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1649.

excommunicatioun quhilk vas ordained to be pronunced against hir vas
continowed for a tyme ; and in the meane tyrae, the said Mr. Johne or-
dained to be diligent in vsing all meanis for her conformitie, and to report.

Mr. Alexander Fraser ordained to goe the nixt Monday and hold
session at Keyth, and preach at Botarie the nixt Lordis day, in the com-
missioner his absence.

The said day, Mr. George Meldrum reported, he had gone to the
Presbytrie of Aberlour, as he vas appoynted, and ther dealt for ane
transplantatioun to Mr. Johne Chalmer, having so fair and vnanimous call
from the Presbytrie of Strathbogie and pariss of Gartly ; quhilk, after
long reasoning and mature deliberatioun, vas granted, and presently pro-
duced, the tenor quherof followes :

<' Att Inverraven, twenty-seventh Junij, 1649. The said day, compeired
Mr. George Meldrum, minister at Glas, befor the moderator, and remanent
bretheren of the Presbytrie of Aberlour, in name and behalf of the Pres-
bytrie of Strathbogie, showing that (quheras the kirk of Gartly being now
vacand in ther handis, be dimission of Mr. William Reid, late minister ther),
they both of themselfs and at the earnest desyre and supplicatioun of the
parishoneris of Gartly, hath sett ther eyes vpon Mr. Johne Chalmer, and
hath made electioun and nominatioun of the said Mr. Johne to be minister
at the said kirk, being satisfied vith the literature and qualificatioun of the
said Mr. Johne in all poyntis ; and therfor hes sent him to deall vith the
Presbytrie for ane act of transplantatioun to him. Compeired lykvys,
Johne Grant of Bellnadallach, Johne Stewart of Kilmachlyn, in name and
behalf of the parishioneris of Inverraven, being requyred to keep the said
day for that effect, and did oppose the said Mr. Johne, ther minister, his
transplantatioun. The Presbytrie vnderstanding that the said Mr. Johne
had ane act of transplantation from the Generall Assemblie, of the dait at
Aberdein, twenty-second July, 1640, desyred ane sight therof, quhich being
presented, together vith ane vther paper containing divers vther weightie
grewances, besyd the reasons of his transplantatioun contained in the for-
said act, all quhich being read and maturely considered, and the forsaid
parishioneris being heard at lenth, and all that they did object or alledge
against the said transplantatioun being pondered, ver found frivolous ; quher-
for the Presbytrie, after mature deliberatioun, did yield and condescend
(although exceeding loath to part vith ther fellow labourer and deir brother),
to the earnest desyre of the Presbytrie of Strathbogie, and parishioneris of

1649.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 109

Gartly, and so granted, and by their presentis grantis, an act of transplan-
tatioun to Mr. Johne Chalmer, from the kirk of Inverraven to the kirk of
Gartly. In testimonie quherof, this present extract out of the Presbytry
book of Aberlour, be Mr. WiUiara Chalmer, clerk to the Presbytry, and
subscryved by hira in our name, and at our command. Subscribitur, Mr.
William Chalmer, clerk to the Presbytry of Aberlour." Quhilk act of
transplantatioun being red and considered, the bretheren resolued to pro-
ceid to the admission of the said Mr. Johne, and therfor appoynted the said
Mr. John to goe the nixt Lordis day and preach at Gartly, and cause serue
ane edict at the said kirk, requiring all having interest that hes any thing to
object against his admission, to compeir at Innerkethnie, twenty-fifth Julij,
and to haue the said edict indorsit, as effeiris.

Att Innerkethnie, 25th July, 1649.

The minister ordained to haue ane particular day in the week for baptiz-
ing and catechising, and not to baptize children of vther congregatiouns
vithout a testificat of the session quher the child is.

Corapeired the Laird of Lesmoir, younger, and acknowledged his sub- Gordon of
scryving the Act of Parliament, approuing of the late vnlawfull ingagement, Lesmoir.
quherin he acknowledged his rashnes, and promised to medle vith nothing of
that kynd heirafter vithout advyse of his minister. The bretheren, after tryall,
finding him to haue bein free of complyance vith malignantis in his former
carriage, ordained him to goe the nixt Lordis day to his owne pariss kirk of
Essie, and ther confess his fault, and subscryw the League and Covenant.

The said day, vas presented Mr. Johne Chalmer his edict, execut and Chalmer.
indorsit be James Marr, at Gartly, twenty-second Julij ; quhilk being
called, and none compeiring to oppose the said plantatioun, the bretheren,
after mature deliberatioun, and consideratioun of the qualificatioun and
good conversatioun of the said Mr. Johne, being nominated and elected
be the parishoneris of the said kirk, as the act of the dait at Botarie at
more lenth beares, being the penult of May, vho, vpon the parishoneris
ther earnest desyre, and presbytrie ther varannd and invitatioune, preached
at Gartly the tenth Junij, to ther gryt contentment and approbatioun ;
quhervpon the forsaid parishoneris earnestlie solisted the presbytry to
convein at Gartly, for the more speedie plantatioun of the same, vho,
vpon ther sute, mett accordinglie, twentieth Junij, quher the said Mr.

110 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1649-

Johne preached befor presbytry and people, vith approbatioun and con-
tentment of both, he vas elected and chosen, be vnanimous consent of
session, presbytrie, and vhole congregatioun, as the act theranent at
Gartly, twentieth Junij, at more lenth proportis; at quhich tyme, Mr.
George Meldrum vas ordained to goe vith one of the elderis of Gartly to
the Presbytrie of Aberlour, and ther procure an act of transplantatioun to
the said Mr. Johne, quhilk accordinglie vas performed, as the report at
Dumbennand, fourth July, at lenth beares. Vpon all these considera-
tiounes, and great desyre to haue that place filled vith ane able and honest
man, the bretheren admittit the said Mr. Johne Chalmer to be minister at
the kirk of Gartly, and to the locall stipend therof, gleib and manse,
partis, pendicles, rentis, and emolumentis quhatsomeuer, justly belonging
or appertaining therto, of this instant yeir of God 1G49, and so furth
yeirlie during the said Mr. Johne his lyftyme ; and ordained Mr. Alexander
Fraser to pass to the kirk of Gartly the nixt Lordis day, and ther to
giue him institutioun and actuall possession to all aboue specified.

Mr. Johne Reidfurd regrated the Laird of Craige his remaining vithin
his parochin, he being broght vp in poperie, and continowing in the same
profession. Ordained to deale vith him for conformitie. and to summond
him to the presbytrie incaice of his refusall.

The said day, vas presented ane letter from Mr. William Kininmonth, of
the dait at Falkland, twenty-ninth Junij, showing his intention to come to
Keyth, according to the earnest call of presbytrie and people.

Att Abercherdour, 15th August.

The Laird of Craig hes done nothing as yet. Mr. James Gordon ap-
poynted to goe speak vith him anent his conformitie, and to report.

The Laird of Frendraught, Carnusie, and Oliphant, being cited to this
day, for not keeping ther pariss kirk, compeired not personallie, but sent
ther ansueris be vtheris, viz.^ that the Laird of Frendraught could not
abyd to come vnder one roof vith the Ladie Crombie since the slaughter of
his wmquhill sone William, quhilk he had solemnlie promised not to doe,
hir husband having bein actor in the said slaughter. Carnusie answered,
be his brother Knock, that he could not keep, inrespect of his long
distance from Abercherdour, and want of accommodatioun in the said
kirk. Oliphant answered also, his farr distance impedit his keiping, but

1649.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. Ill

being neir Innerkethnie, he keeped ther daylie. All the forsaid answeris
referred to the consideratioun of the Provinciall Assemblie, to judge of
the relevancie therof.

Mr. Alexander Fraser reported, he had gone to the kirk of Gartly, Chalmer.
twenty-ninth July, and ther gaue institutioun and actual possession to
Mr. Johne Chalmer in the said kirk of Gartly, and delyvered in his hand
the book of God called the Bible ; and so gaue admission to the said Mr.
Johne, in all poyntis, according to the former ordinance of the Presby-
try, at Innerkethnie, twenty-fifth July.

Att Keyth, 29th August, 1649.

The said day, after incalling vpon the name of God, conveined the
moderator and bretheren. Absent, Mr. Johne Chalmer. Mr. William
Kinninmonth having come north vith Mr. Robert Jamesone, Commis-
sioner to the Generall Assemblie, according to the letteris of invitatioune
from presbytrie and parishoneris of Keyth, vas varrand to preach at
Keyth, the twenty-sixth of August, be the moderator and bretheren ;
and also, for the more speedie plantatioun of the said kirk, so long
vacand, vas appoynted to preach the said [day] befor presbytry and people,
quhilk accordinglie he did, Cant. 1, v. 5, vith approbatioun and full con-
tentment to both. Quhervpon the parishoneris most earnestlie intreated
the presbytrie to proceid to the admission of the said Mr. William, seing
he vas ane actuall minister, as the act of his admission at more lenth
beares ; quhilk vas produced and red, the tenor quherof followes :

" Att Edinburgh, eleventh January, 1644. This day, the army being Kinninmount.
to march into England, Generall Major Lesly as before, and now the
generall quarter master, seriously entraited the presbytry that they vould
be pleased to giue admission to Mr. William Kinninmount to be minister
to the said Generall Major his regiment. Heirfor the presbytry (not-
vithstanding of all his former tryallis, both be the Presbytry of Cuper, as
ther testimonie beares, as lykvys his exercising befor the Presbytry of
Edinburgh), appoynted Mr. Androw Ramsay, Mr. William Bennet, Mr.
William Arthure, Mr. John Sharp, and Mr. Androw FairfouU, ministeris,
vith Laurence Henryson and John Pringle, ruling elderis, to meet at three
aclock afternoon for the said Mr. William his farder tryall by divers theolo-
gical questiones, and thereafter, report being made be the forsaid persons of
the said Mr. William his abylitie and qualificatioune for the said employ-

112 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1649.

ment, Mr. William Colwill vas appoynted to giue the said Mr. William im-
position of handis tomorrow after sermon, the forsaid persons, pastors and
rulino- elderis, being present with the said generall, major, and vther offi-
ceris of that regiment, to receav the said Mr. Wiliam.

" The quhilk day (amended), the bretheren delegated be the presbytry
hauing all conveined vith Mr. WiUiara Dalgliss, moderator, after tryall of
the said Mr. William Kinninmount by diveris theologicall questionis, findis
him qualified for the function of the holy ministry, and therfor desyres Mr.
William Colwill, after sermon, vpon the twelfth of this instant, to giue or-
dination ; the bretheren aboue specified all being present.

" 17th January, 1644. The quhilk day, Mr. William Colwill and the rest
of the bretheren reported ther diligence anent the admission of Mr.
William Kinninmount to be minister to Generall Major Lesly his regi-
ment. Extract forth of the presbytry book of Edinburgh by Charles Lum-
misden, clerk."

The former act being sein, the moderator reqwyred a testimonie of his
conversatioun since the said admission, quhilk accordinglie vas produced,
the tenor quherof followes :

" To all and sundrie quhom it may concerne, and especiallie our reuerend
bretheren of the Presbytry of Strathbogie, we, the moderator and remanent
bretheren of the Presbytrie of Cuper, doe testifie that the bearer, Mr. Wil-
liam Kinninmount, minister to Lewetennant Generall David Lesly his regi-
ment, hath, since the returne of that regiment from Ingland, resided amongst
vs, and exercised publictlie vith vs, and helped seuerall of our bretheren in
the function of the ministrie, to our gryt satisfaction as ane able and honest
minister of the gospell, and approuen himself constantly in his Christian
profession to our gryt contentment, sua that, heiring of a call to him by
yow and the paroche of Keyth vithin your boundis, we conceaue ourselfs
bound in brotherly dutie as to declare the treuth of his behaviour, so to
recomend him earnestly to your brotherly caire, hoping that, by the blissing
of God, he sail proue a faithfull and painfull servant of Christ amongst
yov, as his Majestie salbe pleased to employ him, be thir presentis, sub-
scryved be our moderator and clerk in our name, at Cuper, twenty-eighth
Junij, 1649. Suhscribitur, Mr. Pat. Makgill, moderator; Mr. J. Givaine,
clerk."

After consideratioun of the former act and testificat, the bretheren being
most wiUing to satisfie the parishoneris desyre in planting ther too long

1649.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 113

vacand kirk, and finding the said Mr. William qualified as said is, ordained
ane edict to be serued at the kirk of Keyth the nixt Lordis [day], and the
bretheren to meet at Keyth the sixth September, for calling the said edict,
that, no impediment being made, thei might proceid to the said Mr. Wil-
liam his admissione.

The said day, compeired Mr. James Hay of Muldavid, and presented Hay.
ane Act of the Generall Assemblie, allocating the vacand stipendis of the
kirk of Keyth, for the yeiris of God 1648 and 1649, to his sister, Marie
Hay, and hir children. Also, vas produced ane vther Act of that same
Assemblie by Mr. Robert Jamesone, appoynting the stipend forty-nine to
be giuen to the intrant. The said Mr. James Hay requyred ane answer to
the Act of the Generall Assemblie, quhilk the bretheren took to ther con-
sideratioun till the nixt day.

The said day, compeired Mr. Robert Browne, minister at Forgline, pre- Browne,
senting ane Act of the Generall Assemblie, ordaining some partis of these
nixt adjacent parishes to Forgline to be annexed therto, viz., Carnusie,
vithin the parish of Abercherdour, etc., and that be the sight of the Pres-
bytery of Turreff and Strathbogie ; and for this effect, requyred the bretheren
to keep at Forgline the sixth of September, quher the Presbytry of Turreff
ver to be present for cognoscing the expediencie of such annexatioun.
Quhilk dyet the bretheren could not keep, inrespect they had appoynted
that day for planting of the kirk of Keyth, and so thoght meett all sould be
continowed till the Provinciall Assemblies respectiue, that some cornmis-
sioneris therfrom might be appoynted for assisting the said presbytries in
the said particular, and vtheris of the lyk nature, viz., the expediencie of
annexing Edinglassie, vithin the parochin of Mortlach, to the kirk of Glas.

Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported, he hard the Lady Frendraught had keeped Lady Fren-
sermon at Innerkethnie the last Lordis day, and daylie keeped familie vor- •''■''^"s"*-
ship. The bretheren appoynted the said Mr. Johne to show hir that, if
shoe did not conforme in all poyntis, the sentence of excommunicatioun
void be pronunced against hir befor the nixt Assemblie, seing, vith some
show of obedience, shoe had holden of the process so long.

The said day, the bretheren having resaued from the commissioner im-
mediatlie after his returne, ane varning of the Generall Assemblie to all
memberis of this kingdome, vith ane Act of the said Assemblie concerning
the receiving' of eno-aD^eris in the late vnlawfull varre against Ing-land to
publict satisfaction ; together vith ane Act of Parliament anent the poor ;

114 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1649-

also, the causes of a publict fast to be keeped vpon the last Saboth of
Aucrust, viz.: For the al[ ] sinne in the land, especiallie the

sin of vitchcraft. 2. [Against] interruption of the Lordis work in Ingland
and Irland, intreating the Lord to delyver our [king from the hands] of
malio"nants, and to enclyn his heart to giue satisfactioun in these things that
concerne religion [ ]. 4. To pray for stedfastnes to this land,

especiallie to those who haue publict charge in the effaires of the king-
dome. 5. To entreat the Lord to cary on his work in Ingland and Irland
against all oppressoris of the same. And, lastly, For a blissing vpon the
harvest. All quhich varningis and actis ver red and published, and the
fast keeped accordinglie.

Mr. Robert Jamesone, commissioner, gaue ane account of his diligence,
and vas approuen in his commission.

Mr. George Chalmer ordained to goe and preach at Dumbennand.

Att Keyth, 6th September, 1649.
The said day, after incalling vpon the name of God, the moderator and
remanent bretheren of the Presbytry of Strathbogie, being conveened for
planting of the said kirk vith ane able and qualified man, and seing that
Mr. William Kinninmount vas come north vpon the earnest call both of
presbytry and people, (as the act of the dait at Keyth, thirteenth Junij, at
more lenth beares,) as lykvys, vpon the parishoneris ther earnest desyre and
presbytry ther varrand, he had preached at Keyth vpon Sonday, twenty-sixth
of August, to ther great contentment and approbation ; and therfor the for-
said parishoners having solisted the presbytry to convein at Keyth, twenty-
ninth of August, vho vpon ther sute mett accordinglie, and ther the said
Mr. William having preached before presbytry and people vith approbatioun
and contentment of both, he vas elected and chosen be the vnanimous
consent of session, presbytry, and vhole congregatioun, as the act forsaid
at more lenth proportis ; quhervpon, the bretheren finding the said Mr.
William to be ane actuall minister, and to haue resaued ordinatioun from
the Presbytry of Edinburgh, quher his literature and qualificatioun vas
sufficientlie tryed, as the testificat of the forsaid presbytrie of the dait at
Edinburgh, eleventh January, 1644, heir also insert, at more lenth beares ; as
also, having ane famous testiraonie from the Presbytry of Cupar of his litera-
ture, qualificatioun, and good conversatioun, as the same at lenth beares, of
the dait twenty-eighth Junij, 1649 ; vith ane recommendatioun also from

1649.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 115

the Commissioners of the Generall Asserablie, of the dait at Edinburgh,
nineteenth February, 1647 ; vpon all the forsaid consideratiouns and long
vacancie of the said kirk, and so being sufficientlie satisfied vith the said
Mr. William in all poyntis ; and ane edict being serued second September
at the kirk of Keyth, as the [same] execute and indorsit be Walter Barclay
at more lenth bearis ; quhilk being called, and nane compeiring to object
against the said Mr. William his admissione, the bretheren of the pres-
bytry admittit the said Mr. William Kinninmont to be minister at the kirk
of Keyth, and to the locall stipend, both siluerdewtie, and viccraige
therof, gleib and manse, with partis, pendicles, profitis, rentis, and emolu-
mentis quhatsomeuer [ ] belonging or appertaining [ ]

yeir of God 1649 yeiris, and so furth yeirlie for all the dayes of the said
Mr. William his lyftyme ; and ordained Mr. Alexander Fraser to passe to
the kirk of Keyth the nixt Lordis day, and ther to giue him institution and
actuall possession to all aboue specified.

No doctrine this day, inrespect it was appoynted only for calling the for-
said edict, as also ther being ane raercat in the said toune. The nixt meet-
ting at Rothemay, twenty-ninth September. Mr. Robert Irvine preaches.
Mr. George Meldrum visits the session book.

Att Rothemay, 29th September, 1649.

Mr. Johne Reidfurd being posed quhat diligence he had vsed to the Lady Lady Fren-
Frendraught, reported, shoe had hard three sermons, and so, as he thought, <^''»"&'it'
shoe intended to continow ane hearer. The bretheren, considering her long
continowed contumacie and delay of her process, by heiring a sermon now
and then, thought not that kynd of heiring satisfactorie, quherfor Mr.
Robert Watson, and Mr. Robert Irving, ver ordained to goe vith Mr.
Johne Reidfurd, and requyre the said Lady to subscryv the Covenant,
quherby shoe might testifie her conformitie vith the kirk of Scotland, quhilk,
if shoe refused, the said Mr. Johne vas ordained to pronunce the sentence
of excommunicatioun against hir before the Provinciall Assemblie, as he
void be answerable therto.

Compeired James Straquhan, in name and behalf of the parishoneris of Straquhan.
Kinnoir and Dumbennand, and ther gaue a report of quhat vas recom-
mendit to them be the presbytry, anent the plantatioun of the saidis kirkis
att Dumbennand, fourth July, and shew that, after due deliberation, they
had nominated Mr. Johne Reidfurd, quhom they had hard once preach to

116 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1649-

them, or Mr. Johne Forbes, minister at Kincairne, to be ther minister, and
desyred the presbytry to interpon ther authoritie and assistance for trans-
plantatioun of any of the saidis men quhom they wer willing to embrace ;
but the bretheren having sein the Act of the Generall Assemblie anent the
electioun of ministeris, quherby many of these congregationis ver debarred
from having voyce in the said electioun, resolued and promised to the said
James Straquhan, ther commissioner, to plant these kirkis according to the
said act ; and in the raeane tyme, ordained Mr. Robert Jamesone to goe and
preach at Dumbennand, on Sounday come eight dayes, and Mr. Johne
Reidfurd to preach at Kinnoir, the first Saboth after the Assemblie.

Compeired Mr. Richard Maitland, requyring ane answer from the pres-
bytry to the Act of the Generall Assemblie, appoynting tuo yeiris stipend
of Keyth to his spous and children. The bretheren having seen ane pos-
terior Act of the said Assemblie, allocating the stipend for forty-nine to the
intrant, quhervnto Mr. William Kinninmont vas admitted now, therfor they
referred decision. of the said question to the Commissioneris of the Generall
Assemblie.

Mr. Alexander Fraser reported, he had obeyed the former ordinance of
the presbytery, in going to Keyth, the seventh September, and ther gaue
institution and admission to Mr. William Kinninmont to the said kirk, as he
vas appoynted in all poyntis.

The said day, vas produced ane letter from the Chanclor, requyring
euerie presbytry to put in executioun of the Act of Parliament anent the
poor, the execution quherof ordained to beginne vpon the first of November
nixt, throgh the haill kingdome. The bretheren thoght meet to doe heirin
according to the practise and vniforme procedour of the Provinciall Assem-
blie.

Mr. William Kinninmont shew the presbytery he vas to goe south for
transporting his wyf and children, and so could not be able to keep the As-
semblie, quher he desyred the bretheren to mak excuse, and desyred Mr.
Alexander Fraser and Mr. George Meldrum to go to Keyth, and hold two
sessions for keeping his disciplin fast till his returne ; the quhilk vas pro-
mised to him be the presbyterie.

Anent the reference from the Assemblie for the changing of Saturdayes
mercat, Mr. William Kinninmont reported, that Keyth vas proclaraed to be
on Frydday nixt, and so fourth in tymcoming. Mr. George Chalmer re-
ported, that these vho had the sett of the Saturdayes mercat at Rynye had

1649.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 117

promised to change the same the second Saturday of October, quhilk change
they are to publish the second Tuysday of October, quher they haue the
occasion of ane publict mercat at Kinethmont, to mak the same known
to all, that nane pretend ignorance, nor they vho peyes for the same might
be gryt losseris therby.

Att Botarie, vltimo Octobris, 1649.

The said day, Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported, he had spoken the Lady Lady Fren-
Frendraught since the Provinciall Assemblie, anent the subscryving of the ^^''^ught.
Covenant, vho had promised to tak the Covenant and consider the same.
The said Mr. Johne ordained to vse all diligence for hir subscription, vther-
vayes to proceid vith excommunicatioun against hir according to the ordi-
nance of the Assemblie ; and also to proceid vith the censures of the kirk
against Petfoddellis his daughter, remaining now in Frendraught, if shoe
keeped not the kirk.

The bretheren ordained to intimat the act anent the poore, and to report.

The said day, compeired James Gordon of Daach, Thomas Gordon, his Gordon of
sone, Johne Gordon of Cragihead, James Duff of Bad, vho professed them- p ^^.,' .
selfs villing to subscryv the League and Covenant. The Moderator de- and Duff of
Glared to them they behowed first publictly subscryv the Act of the Generall ^''^'^•
Assemblie, shewing and disclaming that vnlawfull ingagment, quhilk vas
giuen them to reid and consider, and they to come the nixt day and sub-
scryv the same, and then they sould be resaued according to the Act of the
Assemblie mad theranent.

Att Botarie, 21st November, 1649.
The said day, compeired Johne Cow, and being accused for saying he Cow.
had Mr. Robert Watsone his warrand for going to raise neidfyre in
Grange, confessed he vent to the said Mr. Robert, and told him that he
vas advysed to cure his goodis after that maner, and so desyred him to goe
and sie quhat vas done ther, or if he void not goe himself, send his sone
vith him, quhilk the said Mr. Robert refused to doe, but said to him, if he
vent, tak honest men vith him to see quhat vas done. This being layed to
the said Mr. Robert Watsone his charge, denyed all this alledgance, but
on the contrair told him, if he vsed such practices the curse of God void
follow thervpon, and told him that vas ane Highland practise, and cen-
sured alreadie be the Assemblie. The mater referred to the visitatioun

118

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1649.

at Grange, and the said Johne vas summondit apud acta to keep the
said day.

Att Grange, 19th December, 1649.

The said day, Mr. Johne Chalmer reported, he had preached at Dum-
bennand, according to the former ordinance, and had requyred the saidis
parochineris to haue keeped this day to heir and sie the saidis kirkis
planted vith ane able and qualified minister ; the saidis parishoneris being
three seuerall tymes called, and nane compeiring, the bretheren, to mak
them yet inexcusable, ordained the moderator to goe to Dumbennand, and
desyre them as yet to come and giue ther concurrence for planting of the
saidis kirkis ; vith certificatioun, if they failed therin, the bretheren void
proceid and mak nominatioun of a man for that effect.

The said day, Mr. Robert Watsone, minister, being remoued, and the
elderis being seuerallie posed upon ther gryt oath quhat they knew con-
cerning ther minister his doctrine, lyf, or conversatioun, and of his good
affectioun to the present vork of reformation, deponed, that they knew
nothing on the contrair, but discharged himself in his calling faitbfullie as
ane honest minister ; quhich all in one voyce declared to be of treuth,
excepting George Geddes, vho vas last examined, and deponed as followes,
viz.: 1. That he omitted some poyntis of discipline vncensured, as brak
of Saboth be his sone and servantis, in striking Patrik Langmure in the
kirkyeard after sermon. 2. That his sone had fallen in fornicatioun in his
owne hous, and that nether his son nor the voman ver brought to ther
repentance. 3. That he sent out men to James Grahame his rebellion,
and also to the vnlawfull ingagement, and furnished the said men vith
suord and musket for the said vnlawfull seruice. 4. That the said Mr.
Robert vas tuyse drunk in Bamf. All quhich the said George Geddes
promised to giue in vreit vnder his hand the nixt day, and proue the same ;
quhervpon he vas charged apud acta to compeir at Botarie, sixteenth
January, to the effect forsaid.

The said day, vas produced ane letter from the Chancier, requyring the
bretheren to proceid in plantatioun of their kirkis, according to the Act of
Parliament, quhervnto everie brother vas exhorted to vse ther diligence.

Anent the referr of the Provinciall Assemblie concerning the Lady
Altar hir process, these witnesses following ver summondit, compeired,
and being seuerallie suorne, deponed as after followes, viz. : George

1649.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 119

Geddes, being first suorne, did depone that he hard it rumoured in the
countrey shoe had borne a bairne to wmquhill Nathaniell Gordon, and
vpon this he asked the ladie hirself vpon the treuth heirof, quhervnto shoe
gaue him no answer but wept.

Nixt, William Gordon of Newmilne, being suorne, deponed that he,
hearing such a rumor that the said Lady vas vith child, sent his wyf to
enquyre and try the same at hirself. Shoe returning, reported to him that
the said lady, weeping, told hir that shoe could not weell deny, and that
shoe neuer knew the said Nathaniel but once in Aberdein.

Janat Gordon, spous to William Gordon of Newmilne, being suorne, Gordon,
deponed that having enquyred of the said lady concerning that bairne, shoe,
comming out of hir owne hous vith hir, told hir shoe thoght shoe vas vith
bairne, and could not deny it, and burst forth in weeping, but vas loath to
declare vho was the father therof, quhervpon the said Janat exhorted hir
nether to wrong hirself nor that child for any vordlie shame that could
follow thervpon.

Johne Ogilvie of Miltoun, being suorne, deponed that being in Strath- Ogilvie.
doun, he saw a voman and a young child in ane William Innes his house,
and asking to quhom that bairne did belong, vas answered to him, it be-
longed to ane gentlewomen in Strath- Ily, and on the morrow it vas trans-
ported tovardis Inuernes.

George Brabner, being suorne quhat he knew concerning that bairne Brabner.
supposed to be borne be the Lady Altar, deponed that he knew nothing,
but hard rumoris shoe had borne a bairne.

Compeired Margaret Gordon, spous to George Adamson of Floores, and Gordon,
being requyred to declare vpon hir oath quhat shoe knew concerning the
alledgit adulterie of Jean Gordon, Lady Glengarak, and of a child borne
be hir to Nathaniel Gordon, the said Margaret refused to giue any oath, or
to declare any thing concerning that mater, pretending meer ignorance.
The bretheren, divers ministers, and vther gentlemen to deall apart vith hir
for that effect, and that shoe vald glorifie God by reviling the treuth. Shoe
absolutlie refused to giue any oath at all, quhervpon the presbytry declared
her contumax, and ordained the minister to proceid vith the censures of
the kirk against hir for hir contumacie.

The said day, the presbytry finding some pinselis in memorie of the dead
hinging in the kirk, presentlie caused them to be pulled doun in face of
presbytry, and the minister rebuiked for suffering to hing ther so long.

120 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650.

Att Botarie, 19th Januarii, 1650.

The said day, compeired Adam DufF, in Clunibeg. Being suorne to de-
clare quhat he knew concerning the Lady Altar hir adulterie vith Nathaniel
Gordon, deponed that the said Jean Gordon, Lady Altar, in the tyme of
the troubles, vas in a barne of his fourtein dayes or therabout, and for any
thing that he or the vomen therabout could perseaue, shoe vas vith child,
and that he knew no moir of the business.

Mr. Robert Jamesone ordained to vryt to Mr. William Scrogie to try
ane Isobell Reid, duelling in Tanachie, quhat shoe knew in the alledgit
adulterie of the Lady Altar, and to report his answer against the nixt day.

The said day, George Geddes, elder in the sessioun of Grange, having
only alledgit some things verbally last day against his minister, this day he
gaue in the same in vryt, as foUowes :

" Att Grange, nineteenth December, 1649. George Geddes, on of the
elderis of the sessioun of Grange, being suorne, and his oath taken be the
Presbytery of Strathbogie, and particularlie tryed and examined quhat he
knew concerning his minister his lyf and conversatioun, and behaviour
tovardis his parishoneris, according to his knowledge, declares :

" 1. The minister his sone and servantis beat ane herar called Patrik
Langmuire, on the Saboth day, at the church yeard, immediatlie after ser-
mon, till the parochin conveined and sundered them ; his children and ser-
uantis scolding pitifullie, yet all resaued by the minister to his hous, and
neuer censured for the same.

" 2. The said Patrik, at the nixt occasion, comming to ane mariag, the
minister void not enter till the said Patrik vas put out ; quhervpon the said
Patrik deserted Godis vorship, and vas neuer participant of the benefits of
the kirk ; his reason vas, that he durst not come for the minister and his
bairnis ; yet neuer brocht to satisfaction as ane delinquent.

" 3. The minister his sone, begetting a child vpon his owne kyne voman in
the minister his owne hous ; his sone vent south, and the voman to Murray,
and broght furth hir child, came bak, resaued a testimoniall from the minis-
ter, quhervpon shoe is maried, and yet nane of them brought to repentance.

"4. Contrarie to the command of the Generall Assemblie and Presbytry
of Strathbogie, he gaue ane testimoniall, at his own hous, in name of the
presbytry (as moderator) against Johne Vilson, his parishoner, vherby the
honest man his hail goodis ver taken avay, and depaupered his wyf and
children.

1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 121

" 5. He gaue ane testimonial! to Johne Tabret, that the said Johne vas
neuer on the rebelHous seruice, notvithstanding he followed Huntly and
Montrose for the minister his owne lande, quhilk testimonial! James Troup,
messinger, fand among John Tabret his vrytis, and brought to George
Adamson of Floores and me, quhilk we read, and vas keeped be the said
George Adamson till farder tryell.

"6. His seruand, Alexander Achynachie, vas at the battell of Old Earne,
vith the minister his owne halbert in his hand, quhervith he claimed the
killing of the Laird Lares, and is called Lares to this day.

" 7. The kirk yeard is miserablie abused by the minister his horse and
cattell teddering and langalling ther, till it is vorse then a taxfold.

" 8. George Steiphen, a seruant in Floores, maried by the minister him-
self, his child being presented to baptisme, vas refused, and died vithout
baptisme. Many vtheris, lykvys refused, hes died vithout baptisme.

" 9. He hes drawen his parish to gryt miserie and povertie, especiallie in
giuing vp the roll of fencible men, quhen he and his parochineris had con-
descendit vpon ane particular roll, quhilk he sueir and subscryved to be ane
just roll of the fencible men ; aftervard he addit ane second roll by himself
privatlie, extending to sex scoir men, quhilk addit tuentie aught souldiouris
on the parish in all levies.

" 10. It being the ordinance of the Assemblie that nane sould burie in the
kirk, quhervpon he closed doores, and debarred sundrie heireris, and yet
sufFerred his daughteris child to be buried in the kirk vithout any impedi-
ment, quhervpon great hartburning ariseth betwixt him and his heritoris,
they thinking they ver only hindered by him out of malice.

"11. He vent to Bamfe vith his parishioneris quher they are about the
rigging out of souldiouris to the late vnlawfull ingagment ; he vent in to
ane vyne hous accompanied vith James Troup and Johne Wilson, and some
vtheris, drank at the vyne the hail sumeris day, till, as themselfs declare,
they ver all merrie.

" 12. The comongood is still neglected and taken avay, to the gryt preju-
dice of the poore, gryt neglect in visiting the sick, as Robert Wilson, elder,
heavilie regraited to myself, that he had lyen a month or sex weekis, Sa-
bothlie prayed for, yet neuer comforted by the minister his visit.

" The premisses is verie weell knowen to the elderis and vtheris vnder-
vrytten, being suorne and particularlie examined, viz., George Brabner in
Achincheive ; Johne Christie of Crannay ; Patrik Langmure of Balnamoone ;

Q

122 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650.

Johne Wilsone in Haughs ; Alexander Gray in Grange ; James Richart-
sone ther ; Adam Ross ther ; James Troup ther ; Andro Geddes ther ;
William Richartsone ther ; David Ruddah in Fortrie ; Adam Ruddah ther ;
Johne Tabret in Knok ; George Flemen in Millegne ; Alexander Achy-
nacie ther ; Robert Wilson in Edingight ; William Adamson in Nether
Milne ; Robert Richardsone in Grange ; Johne Henderson in Cantly ;
Johne Langmuir in Nether Milne, etc. Let everie on be examined parti-
cularlie on the premisses."

The presbytry, having receaved and red the former deposition, ordained
Mr. Robert Vatson to cause summond the said vitnessis to the nixt meetting,
quhilk he vndertook to doe, and requyred a double of the said deposition,
quhilk vas granted, and the said George Geddes summondit, apud acta, to
heir and sie the forsaid vitnessis suorne and examined.

The said day, Mr. Robert Watsone opponed the forsaid deposition, al-
ledging it ought not to haue bein resaued against him but vnder tuo or
three witnessis, becaus the said George Geddes vas no elder. But the
bretheren replyed, inrespect he vas giuen vp at the visitatioun of his kirk in
the roll of the elderis, and vas found to haue keeped meettings vith them in
ther sessioun book, and be comon consent of the session vas appoynted col-
lector of the comon good of the church, and seing he vas suorne as ane
elder, in the presence of the said Mr. Robert, at the visitatioun, to declare
quhat he knew concerning his lyf and conversatioun, and vas not excepted
against at [ ], they could not esteeme of the said George his depo-

sition but as of ane elder, this exception being now proponed out of seasone.

Att Botarie, penult Januarii, 1650.
innoir and The said day, Mr. Robert Jamesone reported, that, conforme to the for-
urabennand. jjjgj. ordinance of the presbytry, he vent and taught at Dumbennand, and
peremptorlie had desyred the parishoneris vho clamed or pretendit any right
in the electioun and nominatioun of ther minister, to keep the presbytrie
this day, that ordour might be taken for planting these kirkis, with certifi-
catioun, incase they delayed as in former tymes they had done, that this
void be the last advertisement that the presbytrie void glue vnto them, and
had certified them the bretheren void proceid and plant the said kirkis ac-
cording to the Actis of the Generall Assemblie. The saids parishoneris of
Kinnoir and Dumbennand being seuerall tymes advertised, and this day
called, nane of them compeired [to shew] ther villingnes for to accept of

1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 123

ane minister quhom ether themselfs or presbytry sould nominat ; therfor,
the bretheren seing this their neglect to proceid, of wnwillingnes to haue
the saidis kirkis planted, vnderstanding the most part of them to be malig-
nantis or papistis, and consequentlie excludit be the Act of the Generall
Assemblie to haue ane voice in plantatioun of the saidis kirkis, therfor
thoght fitt to plant the saidis kirkis vith one man for the present, vntill they
sould sie more expediencie for planting them seuerallie ; and so, after ma-
ture deliberatioune, they gaue vp a list of some young men, as after fol-
lowes, viz. : Mr. Alexander Gordon, now in Frendraught ; Mr. Alexander
Gordon, scoolmaster at Rothemay ; Mr. James Chalmer, regent in New
Aberdein ; Mr. James Ross, scoolmaster at Keyth ; Mr. William Jamesone,
sone to Mr. Robert Jamesone. Quhilk list being given vp and referred to
voycing, the bretheren, vith ane consent, nominated and elected Mr. Wil-
liam Jamesone as most fitting, in ther opinion, for the said charge (notvith-
standing his father protesting against his electioun and nominatioun), and
ordained him to begin his first tryell at Grange, thirteenth February, vith
ane lecture vpon the first Exodus, and also ordained him to preach at
Dumbennand the tenth of February, as he had done at Kinnoir alreadie.

The said day, compeired George Brabner in Achinheue ; Johne Christie Witnesses

in Cranah ; Alexander Gordon in Grange ; James Richardsone ther ; agai"st

• Mr. Rob6rt

Adam Ross ther ; William Richardsone ther ; David Ruddah in Fortrie • Watson.

Johne Tabret in Knock ; Alexander Achynachi in Millegne ; Robert Wil-
son in Edingight ; William Adamson in Nethermilne ; Robert Richardsone
in Grange ; Johne Henderson in Cantly ; John Langmuir in Nethermilne ;
and being all admitted be the said Mr. Robert as vitnessis, everie on ver
seuerallie suorne, vpon his gryt oath, to declare trulie quhat he knew in the
mater layed to ther minister, Mr. Robert Watson, his charge ; but inrespect
the night vas approaching, ther depositions ver delayed to the nixt meetting
at Grange, thirteenth February, appoynted for that effect, and both parties
and witnessis summondit, apud acta, to keep the said day.

Johne Wilson in Haughes being cited as a vitness, and compeiring, vas
excepted against be the said Mr. Robert, becaus, as he alledgit, he had
vented himself he [would] rather giue tuo of his best oxen befor George
Geddes busines did goe vrong ; and also, becaus he vas a plunderer, and
a conjunct complyce vith George Geddes in collecting the poyntis of the
lybell throgh all the Presbytry of Fordyce ; quhilk the said Mr. Robert
vndertook to proue.

124 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650.

James Troup being cited as a vitness, compeired, but was not admitted
be the said Mr. Robert, inrespect, in the accusatioun, he vas giuen vp as
ane informer and a partie.

Adam Ruddah, absent, and vas not admitted be the said Mr. Robert,
vnless he gaue his oath that he caried no malice against him.

George Steiven, being present, and cited as a vitness, vas admitt, but not
suorne for the present, inrespect Mr. Robert challenced him as a notorious
plunderer in the tyme of the rebellioun.

The said day, Mr. Robert Irving vas ordained to be summondit to the
nixt meetting at Grange, by the officiar of Rothemay, to heir and sie him-
self ordained to haue ane helper, according to the ordinance of the Provin-
ciall Assemblie, as also to answer for resett of ane fugitive vitch, Margaret
Fraser, comming from the province of Aberdein, and that he bring the
poynt of hir accusation from the Presbytery of Turreif, shoe being fugitiue
from them.

Att Grange, 13th February, 1650.

Mr. Robert Irving being asked for his frequent absence from the pres-
bytry, answered that, inrespect of his age and infirmitie of bodie, he vas
not able to travail in the vinter season ; quhervpon the bretheren thoght fitt
to visit his kirk, to sie how he discharged himself in his calling, or if ther
ver necessitie of ane helper to be adjoyned to him, and to this eifect ap-
poynted the nixt meetting at Innerkethnie, the penult of February, and
ordained the said Mr. Robert to preach on his ordinare text and lecture on
his ordinare. Also, the said Mr. Robert being asked if Margaret Fraser,
witch, fugitiue from the province of Aberdein, had bein resett in his paroch,
reported shoe vas dead.

The said day, conveined vith the bretheren, Mr. William Chalmer and
Mr. Alexander Seaton, commissioneris from Fordyce, as they ver requyred,
but nane from Elgin.

The said day, the moderator produced the appellation sent to him be Mr.
Robert Watson, befor the tenth day, as the former day he promised, the
tenor quherof follows :

" Reasons of appellation of Mr. Robert Watsone, minister at Grange,
from the Presbytry of Strathbogie to the Provinciall Assemblie of Murray :

"1. It hath bein and is the laudable and charitable practise of the Kirk,
since the begun vork of reformatioun, to p[ ] such bretheren from

1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 125

leading process against malignantis as ver knowen to be overawed be them,
menaced be ther freindis and complices.

" 2. It is knoven manifestlie, that besyd my former sufferings since 1639
to this day, that I haue my abode among most malicious malignantis, so that,
in the visiting of the sick, I haue bein persewed for my lyf amongst them.

" 3. Besyd terroris vithin, I haue bein minaced vith burning of my hous
after it vas plundered, third Maii, 1635, and that be the said Margaret
Gordon hir brother german and other complyces.

" 4. And if such vrong and injurie vas done and offerred to me for
adhering to the Covenant and vork of reformatioune vithout any quarrell,
it may be thoght wpon in quhat condition I sould be in processing and
excommunicating the said Margaret Gordon, spous to George Adamson of
Floores, both be hirself and hir complyces.

"5. Since the visitatioun of my church, nineteenth December, 1649,
(vpon ane pretendit ground of ane speech wttered be ane pretendit poor
man that could not lye, and of a trouper and officiar called Melvill, come
from Irland, and neuer quartered in the parochin of Grange, vho did not
compeir before the meetting at Oldearne vith any regrat anent the minister
his remisnes in his calling,) the most part of malignantis vithin the parochin,
hatcheris of the forsaid calumnie, vith ther vther complices, are so sett
vpon edge as to insnare the minister, and catch all occasiones of a quarrell
against him, quhilk is not vnknoven to the bretheren of the Presbytry of
Strathbogie.

" 6. Quherfor since, be the moderator of the Generall Assemblie and
Commission of the Kirk for the tyme, the haill Presbytrie of Strathbogie
ver exeeraed from processing such malignantis and complyeris as overawed
them, quhat charitable respect vas had to the haill presbytrie, I am confident
that charitable constructioun of the church, the Provinciall of Murray will
not deny to any afflicted brother. Sic suhscribitur, Mr Robert Watsone,
minister at Grange." Quhilk reasons being considered be the bretheren,
ver not found relevant ; yet in respect his vther process vas not yet closed,
they thoght meet to heir the Provinciall Assemblie ther judgment of both
processes.

The said day, being appoynted for trying such vitnesses as formerlie
ver admittit to depone in Mr. Robert Watsone his busines, compeired Watsone and
George Geddes, and alledgit divers of the said vitnesses to haue bein decides,
suborned be the said Mr. Robert, vho conveened them, red the particularis

126 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650.

of the depositioun to them in privat, and shew them the best vay how they
might depone therin ; quherof Mr. Robert being posed, vas content that
the vitnesses sould be tryed theron vith the rest of the forsaid particularis
of the depositioune, quhervnto the presbytry acquiesced.

The said day, George Geddes excepted against the sitting of George
Adamson as ruling elder for Grange, in respect he vas not formallie chosen
be the sessioun for that effect ; but the session book being produced and
wisitted, ther vas found ane particular act for his electioun.

Compeired George Brabner in Achinheiv, being formerlie admittit and
suorne in presence of Mr. Robert Vatsone, and being enquyred in the
forsaid particular, deponed, that the said Mr. Robert had red befor them
both the accusatioun of George Geddes and his owne reply therto, in the
loft, after the rising of the sessioun, but did not put any thing in ther
mouths theranent. 2. Deponed that Mr. Robert his sone and servantis
had struken Patrik Langmuire vith a rod on the Saboth day, immediatlie
after sermon, and they neuer sought nor challenged befor the sessioun for
the same, his sone at that tyme being com from the colledge in the vacance.
3. Deponed, the said Patrik Langmuire vas remowed out of the kirk
befor Mr. Robert void enter to celebrat a mariage, for quhat reason he
knew not, quhich occasioned the said Patrik to absent himself from the
publict vorship for a long tyme, and vas not dealt with for to come and
keep the kirk. 4. Deponed, anent the child begottin be the minister his
sone in his owne hous, that it vas so indeed, and no repentance mad for
the same be ether partie, ther being a gryt scandall therof in the parish
befor ther remowing out of the hous. 5. Being asked anent the giving of
ane testimoniall against Johne Wilson at his owne hous, as moderator of
the presbytry, deponed, that he knew nothing of a testimoniall giuen against
him containing more than the treuth. 6. Being asked if Johne Tabbert
had bein vpon the rebellion vith James Grahame and Huntlie for the
minister his owne land, and if notvithstanding therof he had received ane
testimoniall from the minister as free of all such delinquencie, deponed,
that he had bein vpon the rebellion vith them, but knev nothing of ane
testimoniall. 7. Being asked if Alexander Achynachie vas at the battell
of Oldearne vith ane halbert quhich he had resaued fi'om the minister, and
if, after his returne, he had vented the killing of Lairs therwith, deponed,
that he did goe furth, but for Talbert, vith ane halbert quhilk Johne
Tabret had resaued from the minister long befor ; and being asked if the

1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 127

minister had any men furth in the rebellion, deponed, ther vent tuo men out
for the minister his land, but knew not quhat hand the minister had in it.
8. Being asked if the kirkyeard vith the minister his horse vas abused,
deponed, his horse, as divers vtheris, ver frequentlie in it. 9. Being
asked concerning the not baptising of George Steiven his child, quhilk
vas begotten in lawfull mariage, quhich died vithout baptisme, and if any
vther had died also throgh his negligence, deponed, the bairne came to the
kirk, vent home vnbaptised, and died in the wood of Braico, befor it could
be brought home, the minister being still readie at that tyme to baptise
vtheris that asked of him. 10. Being asked if, after the number of fensible
men giuen vp by himself and the rest of the elderis vpon ther oath and
conscience, he had addit a roll of sex scoir of men moe vnto that quhilk was
formerlie subscryved be him and tham, deponed, he had giuen vp by himself
alone, and not ane elderis subscription sought thervnto. 11. Being asked
if, contrarie to the ordinance of the Assemblie, he had passed vith silence
the buriall of his owne daughter hir child in the kirk, other heritoris and
parishoneris being debarred by him, deponed, the child vas buried in the
kirk, and the buriall vas not quarrelled, nor the officiar reproued for doino-
the same. 12. Being asked if he knew him to haue been drunk at Bamfe,
deponed, he knew nothing therof. 13. Being asked if the comongood had
bein taken avay by him, and he vas negligent in visitting the sick quhom
himself publictlie had prayed for months or six weeks at once, deponed, the
comongood vas giuen to his sones for ther clerking, and he did visit the sick
being sent for.

Compeired Johne Chrystie of Cranah, having bein suorne and admittit Chrysto.
witness as befor, and being questioned on all the particularis, vt siipra^
deponed conforme to George Brabner in all, saue that he knew nothing of
Patrik Langmuire his removing from the mariage befor the minister his
entrie into the kirk ; nor of the alledgit roll giuin vp by the minister
himself after his owne and the elderis subscription to the former; nor
quhat he did concerning the buriall of his daughter hir child ; nor of the
minister his giving testimoniallis.

Compeired Alexander Gray in Grange, having bein admittit and suorne. Gray.
vt supra, deponed in all poyntis conforme to George Brabner his deposi-
tioune ; and concerning the giuing vp of the roll of fencible men, he knew
nothing of the first roll, but he vas sure of latter ; and for the comongood,
ther ver many meettings for taking compt of it, but could not get it.

128 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650.

The rest of the witnesses ver continowed, in respect the night vas come,
till the nixt meetting at the presbyteriall seat.

The said day, compeired Johne Cow, ordained to satisfie the disciplin
of Grange, according to the Act of the Asserablie, for his kindling of
neidfyre.

The said day, Mr. Johne Chalmer regrated the insufficiencie of his
gleib and manse, and requyred a new designatioun therof; quhilk the
bretheren taking to ther consideratioun, appoynted Mr. James Gordon,
Mr. Robert Jamesone, Mr. George Meldrum, vith ther ruling elderis, to
meet at Gartly vith all convenient diligence, and mett and measure to him
a sufficient and competent gleib, according to the Act of Parliament mad
theranent.

The said day, the presbytry requyred the commissioneris from Fordyce
to come and perambulat and consider the expediencie of annexing the landis
of Edinglassie vithin the pariochin of Mortlach to the parochin of Glass,
conforme to the ordinance of the Generall Assemblie ; quhilk the said
commissioneris promised to advertise ther presbitry off, and report ther
answer the nixt day.

The said day, George Geddes produced answeris to Mr, Robert Watsone
his former replyes, affixed vt supra, quhilk heir also are affixed, that the
Assemblie may consider and cognosce of them as of the rest.

" The twentieth of January, 1650, the minister of Grang, efter sessione
in the efternoone, conveined so many of the people that vere apoyntit to be
sumondit be the presbytrie (as he could have occasion), and read the parti-
cularis quherupoun they sould be examined to them, constructing them the
best vay he could, informing the people how they might depone. This was
privatlie in the church loft, directing the officer to stand at the doore,
saying, Sir, sie that none enter in, neither go out of that yourself till yie
sie me come downe. Lykwayes, the twenty-seventh of January, 1650,
he conveined the rest of them ; sending to the churchyaird for them, he
read the particulars again to them, with some invented replyes, exponing
ewerie poynt to them, and ewerie excuse to them, quherby they might know
how to delait. Judge if this was suborning or not.

" Ansvers to the notional reasones quherby the minister strywes to prowe
George Geddes no elder.

" 1. It is grantit be the moderator, the sixteenth of Januar, 1650, in pre-
sence of the presbytrie, that he read in the sessioun book not only as elder.

1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 129

but also collector of the commoun guidis and penalties. 2. The said
George oathe was takin be the minister and admittit, in October, 1648, in
sessioun, befor Mr. William Stewart, George Brabner, Johne Vilson,
Johne Chrystie, and the rest of the elders, quhilk they can witnes. 3. The
minister hath takin delationes since from the mouth of the said George, as
elder. Yet, for farder satisfaction to the reverend bretheren, answers
ewerie particulare reason. 1. He calles the said George ane malignant.
The said George can produce ewidence and token of his behawiour wnder
the handis of those quho at seuerall occasiones had cheifest command in the
parliamentis armies ; as also, receawit ane testimoniall from his minister,
(the said George heir chargit south the eighth of July, 1647,) testifieing
of the great losses and distresse the said George had suffered be plundering
of armies ; and after farder triall, his name vas blottit out of the rebellious
roll, in presence of the grand committie, (the estaite not finding him ane
malignant,) as the Laird of Less Muireffe and Valter Hackatt can declair.
2. Neither did the said George so much as keipe ane randevous, or anie
out of his land, with anie malignantis since before Oldearne, quhilk he is
able to instruct. 3. Let the minister proue that ewir the said George drew
ane svord to anie man, or anie to him, either for publick or privat quarrell,
all salbe grantit.

" Wheras the minister calles the said George ane plunderer, the contraire
is knowne ; and let the minister proue that ewir he plunderit sex shillings
or so much vorth from all the world, all salbe true he sayes. But true it
is, the Irishes (the minister speakes of) came to George Geddes house of
intention to plunder him, but were hinderit at that tyme be the Lady
Glengarock, Muirifold, and Thomas and Mr. John Gordouns. But in
ther comming from Bamft', they came to the said George his housse, touk
fywe horses out of his stable, loadined them with the insicht of his housse,
strok his vyff and serwandis, fearfully cutted the coat of his vyffis back and
wncovered hir head, left nothing transportable, not so much as one plead
among fyftein houshold, but tuo quhilk the said George and his serwand
had with them, (being fled to Auchindowne.) Lykwayes, it is verie veil
knowne how contrey enimies lowsed the said George oxin out of his
pleughes, and had them to the randcvouse, because he vould not go himself,
searching his housse oftentymc to apprehend himself, till he was forced to
putt away his cattell, and banishe himself of the countrey till the Generall
Leiwtenant came to Strabogie. This is but confyning of tyme, nothing

R

130 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650.

pertinent to the minister his purpose, since kirk and estait hes bein satis-
fied for the litle comply ance alleadgit against the said George (at the first),
and now cannot be fund so much as ane disafected person be the committie.
Howbeit, the minister caused him sitt in sheitts, contrar to ordinance, yit
the said George obeyed in all manner, following the example of those vho
sat befor him, (and especiallie Paithnik, vho murdered Auchinachie,) he
not being but aleadgit complyer, went in and satt the tyme of preaching,
and was absolvit without question. As for the said George fornicatioun,
his penalty and repentance was satisfactorie at the tyme, and hes bein
absolvit this [ ] bygone. As for the minister saying that George

manalsed the minister, and [ ] saying he intimated himself

with malignants be collector [ ] probation. Among the rest of

[ ] scandalous calumnies."

" Arguments ab instantia confuting the groundles replyes and forged
excuses invented be the minister, instructing the people therby that
they might depone.

" Conf. 1. In the first reply, the minister contradictes himself ridiculuslie,
saying it is ane scandall past prescription, and referres it to tryall, and the
judges to vhom it belongeth ; then confessis the offence, and alledgis that it
is censured. Howbeit his sonne vas and is ane scholler, he had ane svord
befor that tyme, coft be John Vilsone and Androw Geddes at Laurent day,
neither vas his hyrmen ane scholler, vho secondit his sonne with all violence,
as the witnessis can declair.

" Conf. 2. In his second reply, he sayes it vas for fear of trouble he
caused putt Patrick Langmuir out of the church. Contrar it vas ; because
(not only at that tyme) afterward the said Patrick hawing ane chyld to be
baptised, the minister caused putt the said Patrick out of presence till
Androw Geddes in Kirktowne held wp the chyld and said the beleife. Let
it be enquyred of Patrik and the rest of the witnesses how long he was that
he durst not come to the kirk heirefter.

" Conf. 3. In his third reply, the minister contradictis himself, saying,
it is ane scandall and alledgit fornication. Then he grantis he gawe ane
testimonial! wppon caution for satisfaction, and lykwayes that the voman is
brought to repentance. But true it is, the minister knowing the parties
guylty, send for William Adamsone, vho came to his owne house, sub-
scryvit the testimoniall, and made ane faschon (at the ministeris fyresyde)
of inacting himself caution, (incaice of backspearing,) quhilk was never

1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 131

called in question till now. It may be askit vho gawe his sonne ane testi-
monial!, or vho sought him to repentance.

" Conf. 4. He not only gawe ane testimonie against John Wilsone, but
also insert more then treuth, saying he was at all the bloodie fights, quher-
att the witnessis acceptit, and wold not subscryue but with ane caveat, as,
for example, Mr. William Stewart testified that he only knew him to be at
Oldearne.

" Conf. 5. The minister, in his fyfth reply, contradicts himself publictlie,
saying. Let Sandie Troup be tryed to the full ; and vhen he is presented,
he rejected him as witness. Giue the minister sould say that the testimo-
niall vas that John Talbert vas no blood schedder, it is werie hard to the
minister to testifie, since the said John was with Montrose vhen Baylzie
chased him from Strabogie to [ ], vher, on both sydes, some vere

takin, some killed, and auchtein horse and men takin and killed in one
night, and aftervard vent ouer to the hillis of Skessache and throughe the
braes of Anguse with them. It may be askit of the said Johne, if the
ministeris land had ane protection from Montrose or not ?

" Conf. 6. The minister, in his sext reply, sayes Alexander Achynachie
vas not his serwand. Howbeit not his houshold man, yit vas ane souldiour
for the ministeris land of Millegin, and had the ministeris staf in his hand
(quhilk he losit). Aske Alexander if the minister sought half ane crowne
for it ? Lykwayes, ther was tuo vther souldiouris for the ministeris land of
Balnaman, as the witnessis can declair. But George Geddes desyres the
minister and the vhole parishe to say that he was either in the countrey
himself, or that anie vho dwelt one his land (howbeit he hes half Daoche in
the parishe) was at Oldearne, or that ewir anie of them carried armes, or
went in companle with either Huntly or Montrose.

" Conf. 7. In his sevinth reply, he denyes langelling and teddering horse
and ky in the church yaird. He not only doth this, but also caused keip
the grass of it till his bondage horse of Balnamane and Millegin came to
lead his peits, and it served them, as the schoolmaster and the rest of the
Kirktowne can declair. Vher he turnes it ower on the lybeller, it salbe put
to his probatioun.

" Conf. 8. In his aucht reply, the minister contradicts himself, impu-
dentlie saying he referres to George Stevine his declaratioun, and when
he compeirs rejectis him as witnes, be reason he hes not satisfied for his
malig-nancie, quhilk he hes done in presence of the vhole congregatioun.

132 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650.

Wheras the minister sayes he was in exyle ; no such matter, he was hi
his owne grass rowme, wher the [ ] wyfF [ ] as the

witnessis can testifie. He lykwayes refused Elspet Geddes chyld baptisme
[ ] and vther [ ] offering themselfs suretie for all

satisfaction.

" Conf. 9. He sayes it is ane calumnie (all are calumnies in his conceit),
yit the roll testifies his oath and subscription. The rollis was never sent
back, neither hard the parishoneris of his addition till they payit for it.
The committie admired at it. He had interlynned, blottit out vhom he
pleasit, and putt in on the margine vhom he pleasit. The parishe vrged
him to vrytt ane supplicatioun and goe to BamfF, but he vent in to the
vyne, and did not sie to present it to the committie till this houre. The mi-
nister sayes, It passed ower vith silence that ther was fourscoir at Oldearne,
quheroff thrie vas the ministeris men. To one the minister his vyfF bor-
rowed ane.svord from Adam Ross, another claimed the killing of Lairs
with the ministeris halbert, the third confessit that he plunderit the kirk box
of Duffus. Let the witnesses be tryed heiranent.

" Conf. 10. He denyes the buriall of his oy in the church. The minis-
teris vyff caused the officer burie it ther (as the officer declaires), but re-
fused the key to Bracho and William Innes. All are satisfied with the
act, but not with the ministeris partialitie in observing the act.

" Conf. 11. In his elevinth reply, he sayes he came home from Bamff.
It is ane culumnie. It vas notat one tyme he vent to William Cummingis
house. This particular vilbe veil prowin ; it is ane odious true taile.

" Conf. 12. In his twelt reply, he calles it ane calumnie. The common
guid is thryce taken away, and vhat is preserwed the minister and his
bairnis gettis most pairt of it (being called former clerkis), and hes payit
not long since to his sonne, vho went away in fornicatioun thrie yeiris agoe ;
this Robert Vilsone, vho was collector, can declair, if veil examined, and
more. As for visiting the sick, the said Robert regratit to Bracho, Mr.
William Stewart, and George Geddes (saying he sent for him) ; also,
Andrew Geddes, hes bein sick this month at the church style, yet nevir
visited be the minister ; and, in generall, it is ewir so throw the vhole
parishe.

" Anent the witnessis to whom he gives so scandalous ane commendatioun
(being chosin as the bodie of the vhole honest men in the parishe,) calling
them infamous, let it be enquired of the minister vher is the famous men of

1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 133

his parishe ? His badge he gives them is ane guid tokin of his guid aedifi-
catiouns and instructiones he gives them, and of his guid example. Qiiaeri-
tur quo jure the minister sould hawe spokin the witnessis till they had
bein tryed (to mak them more infamous) ; or quhy sould his excuises bein
haird till the witnessis had bein examined ? or quhy sould anie lybell bein
takin from the minister (bein vnder process) till he had being fund honest
or guylty ? Let the minister mak the reasones guid vhervpoun he rejected
so manie witnesses. As for his scandalous lyes, raaliciouslie invented
against him vhom the minister calles libeller, they, and vther lyes collected
out of the replyes, are referred to the ministeris probatioun, quhilk (God
villing) sail turne to his disgrace and shame that hatches such diabolicall
calumnies.

" Nota. The minister sayes George Geddes sayd that he declaired out
of malice against the minister, because he had givin him ane charge of
horning for resting teind siluer and vicarages, 1649, and vther yeires pre-
ceiding. This is ane calumnie. Giwe ewir George receavit ane charge,
or if anie in the parishe hard of anie charge for 1649, and yeiris preced-
ing, all sail be true he sayes, because the said George hes his discharges
for 1648, and for all the yeirs of lyftyme before that.

" Let the witnessis vho are svorne be tryed both uppon the [ ]

particulars and the confutatioun of the replyes."

Att Innerkethnie, penult of February.
No meetting, in respect of the storme. The nixt meetting sixth Martii.

Att Innerkethnie, 6th Martii, 1650.

Con veined the moderator and remanent bretheren. after the incalling vp-
on the name of God. Absent, Mr. William Kinninmont, Mr. George
Chalmer, nether of them having as yit returned from the south.

Mr. Robert Irving, minister at Innerkethnie, taught ane lecture on the
125th Psalm, and ane sermon on his ordinare text, Hosea 12, v. 6, as he
vas the former day injoyned.

The minister being reraowed, and all the elderis being present and Irvin-.
suorne, ver enquired concerning the lyf, conversatioune, qualificatioun of
ther minister, and of his affection to the vork of reformatioune ; everie on
being particularlie questioned, approved him for an ane honest minister, and
able for discharging of his ministeriall function ther as befor at any tyme.

134 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650.

as also, all the parishoneris that ver present gaue him the lyk testimonie.
Therefter, the bretheren taking to ther consideratioun the doctrine de-
lyuered in his lecture and sermon this day, all did approue him, and de-
claired themselfs satisfied thervith, and thoght fitt to continow him in his
charge ; only he vas admonished concerning his expression, throgh the de-
fect of vant of teeth, earnestlie requyred him to help it, so farr as he could ;
as also, quhen he fell vpon poyntis of controversie, befor disaffected per-
sons, that he sould stryv to be verie satisfactorie in his answer, or then to
hold himself to popular doctrine, and to presse in his sermonis the present
vork of reformatioune. But, for clearing of his abilitie further to some of
the bretheren, vho ver absent, and neuer had hard him as yet, the bretheren
requested him, the nixt day of meeting, for that satisfactioun, also to haue
a sermon on the said 12th of Hosea, his ordinare, quhilk he villinglie vnder-
took to doe at Botarie, twentieth Martii.

The said day, the minister vas ordained to conveine his heritoris and
elderis, and choose a parish magistrat ; and the rest of the bretheren
ordained to doe the lyk.

The said day, it is recommendit seriouslie to Mr. Johne Reidfurd,
Mr. Robert Watsone, and Mr, Alexander Garden, then present, to deall
vith the Laird of Frendraught for his reconciliatioune vith the Lady
Crombie, that no scruple might remaine in his mynd to mak him absent
himself from his owne parish kirk of Abercherdour ; and to report ther
diligence the nixt day.

The said day, compeired Beroald Innes of Turterie, and produced
ane supplicatioun, subscryved be himself and the Laird of Frendraught,
as heritoris of Turterie, requyring that part of the parish of Rothemay to
be disjoyned therfrom, and annexed to the kirk of Abercherdour, pre-
tending better accommodatioun ther then at ther owne parish kirk of
Rothemay, because of the neirnes of the situation therof ; and to this
effect desyred perambulation of the boundis, for tryell of the truth therof.
As also, compeired Johne Gordon of Walkmilne, in name of the heritoris
and parishoneris of Rothemay, gaue in protestation subscryved be him-
self on the contrar. The bretheren, having considered the mater,
inrespect the actis of the Generall Assemblie ver not present to informe
them sufficientlie theranent, and some bretheren absent, and the supplica-
tioun being subscryved be one that hes interrest, delayed ther answer till
the nixt day, quhen the petitioner vas requyred to be present.

1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 135

The said day, vas produced ane letter from Colonell John Innes, re-
quyring SabothUe serraonis at Strathbogie, and ane course to be taken
for celebrating the communion to the souldiouris of the garrison, and caus
them renew the League and Covenant. The bretheren thoght the de-
mand verie reasonable, and ver willing to obey it in all poyntis, vith as
conuenient diligence as they could ; tuo of ther number, Mr. Alexander
Fraser and Mr. Robert Jaraesone, having preached alreadie to them, and
Mr. Robert Watsone to goe the nixt Lordis day, and preach to them and
the rest of the bretheren in ther owne vice.

This day vas produced ane letter from the Moderator of the Generall
Assemblie, vith two copies of the actis of the Generall Assembly, 1649,
vith two copies of the table of incest, requyring payment of the same,
vith all vther publict restis ; quhilk the bretheren ver ordained to provyd,
vith all diligence.

Mr. Johne Reidfurd being inquyred if the Lady Frendraught had sub- Lady Fren-
scryved the League and Covenant, according to the ordinance of the '^''^"3'^t-
Provinciall Assemblie, answered, that shoe vas ane ordinare heirer of the
vord, but vas not fullie satisfied for subscryving the Covenant, and that
the Laird mad vther ministeris to conferr with hir. The bretheren or-
dained him to vse all diligence in the said mater, as he wold be answerable
to the Assemblie.

Att Botarie, 20th Martii, 1650.

Mr. Robert Irving taught, Hosea 12, v. 11, quherin he gaue the bre- Irving-.
theren such satisfactioune as they ver content he sould remain in the mi-
nistrie at Innerkethnie. But in respect of his age and inabilitie to keep
the meettings of the presbytry, quher he might beare equall burden vith the
rest in discipline, asked if he void haue ane helper, nothing of his owne
stipend being diminished, answered, he sould consult vith his parishoneris
theranent, but for himself he vas not content vith the motion, but promised
to keep more frequentlie heirafter, health and weather seruing. The
bretheren ver content vith this promis for a tyme, assuring him if he failled
they void joyne ane helper to him ; and in the mean tyme, ordained him not
to be negligent in the provision of that kirk, according to the Act of Par-
liament.

The said day, Mr. Robert Watsone reported that he and Mr. Johne Laird of
Reidfurd had gone to Frendraught, and had conferred vith him anent his ^'cxirauglit.

136 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [iGoO.

reconciliatioune vith the Lady Crombie, vho declared himself to haue no
o-rudo-e at the said lady ; but for keeping the kirk of Abercherdour, requyred
a breathing tyme till he sould goe south and get satisfactioune of some
thinsfs from kirk and estat ther.

Mr. Johne Reidfurd being absent, no report concerning the Lady
Frendraught hir subscryving of the Covenant.

Anent the former supplicatioun of Beroald Innes, desyring perambula-
tioun of the landis of Turterie, vt supra, being called, corapeired not him-
self, but Johne Abernethie of Tillidoun compeired, alledging a commission
from hira, but could not produce the same. And Walter Racket of Meyen,
vithin the parochin of Rothemay, compeired also, protesting all parties
hauing interrest sould be hard befor any perambulatioune of the boundis.
In respect of Mr. Johne Reidfurd his absens, and the supplicatioun vas not
subscryved be the inhabitants of Turterie, quhom it raainlie concerned, and
the Laird of Rothemay being south, the bretheren thoght fitt to continow
ther answer till the Assemblie gaue ther advyse theranent.

Mr. Robert Irving to preach the nixt [day] at Strathbogie, and then
Mr. James Gordon.

Ther having come to the moderator ane letter from the Commission of
the Kirk, vith two copies of a declaratioun both from kirk and estat, in re-
futatioun of a scandellous pamphlet of James Grahames, intitulated and
reputed a declaratioune of James Marques of Montrose, etc. ; the quhilk
having bein destribut by hira throgh the bretheren this day, they all pre-
sent reported they had publictlie red the same, according to the ordinance
therof.

Lykvys this day vas produced ane other letter from the Commission of
the Kirk, indicting a publict fast to be keeped vpon the first Lordis day of
April, or any other convenient day therefter, as for the causes conteined in
the former fast, so especiallie for craving a blissing from the Lord to the
proceedings and travaillis of our Commissioneris vith his Majestic. The
bretheren being to keep ther Provinciall that week preceeding the first
Lordis day of April, could not keep the said day, but resolued to keep the
said fast the second Saboth of April.

The said day, the commissioneris appoynted formerlie for designatioun
of the gleib and manse of Gartly reported they had done accordinglie, the
tenor quherof foUowes : —

" Att Gartly, 18th Martii, 1650. The said day, conforme to the ordin-

1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 137

ance of the Presbytrie of Strathbogie, at Grange, thirteenth February,
conveined vpon the ground, Mr. Robert Jamesone, moderator, and Mr.
James Gordon, minister at Rotheraay ; Mr. George Meldrum, minister at
Glas ; Mr. Alexander Garden, minister at Forge ; and vith them Alexan-
der Anderson, in Gartly ; William Chalmer, at the Kirk of Gartly ; Alex-
ander Chalmer, in Colonah, ruling elderis, having full power from the for-
said presbytry to designe the gleib and manse of the Kirk of Gartly, vith
grass for enterteinment of ane horse and tuo ky, conforme to the late Act
of Parliament mad theranent ; the forsaids persons all present, conveining
vpon the ground, first past to the old gleib and manse, and ther measured,
vith rood and roap, the forsaid old gleib, as it lyes merched and moothed of
old, and vas possest be Mr. William Reid and vther ministeris befor, and
finding the same deficient, extending only to thrie akeris of land and ane
half, therafter the forsaid ministeris and ruling elderis past to ane plot of
ground called Nicolsons Croft, quhilk of old had bein possest be the clerk
and ministeris seruing the cure, but by injurie of tyme had bein put out of
possession therof, mett and designed a parcell therof, having on the east the
kirkyeard dyk ; on the south, ane foot rod, lineallie descending from the
kirkyard dyk to the nuik of the old manse, and thence lineallie going to the
south burne, cutting throgh the endis of some riggs to ane merch stone
erected at the cruik of the burne, and from thence keeping the cruik of the
burn, both on the south and west, till they com to ane vther vay, quhich is
the comon kirk gaite, lying on the north therof, and ascending lineallie the
forsaid kirkgate till they come to the kirkyard dyk, for the making vp of a
perfyit manse and gleib ; and therafter passed to ane parcell of ground
called Dubiscroft, and designed the same, as it lyes marched and moothed
vith the burn on the north, the comon kirk and court gate on the east, and
ane dyk compassing the samen on the south and west part therof, evein till
they come to the inverr of the burn on the north of the said parcell of
ground, and gaue reall and actuall possession therof to Mr. Johne Chalmer,
minister at the forsaid kirk of Gartly, by delyuerance of earth and stone,
according to the comon ordour, and this vas done in presens of Johne
Rind, notar publict ; Johne Nicolson, kirk officiar at Gartly ; and James
Slorach, kirk officiar at Botarie ; quhervpon the said Mr. Johne Chalmer
took instrument in the handis of Johne Rind, notar publict ; and in verifica-
tioune of the premissis, the principall copie of the designatioune is sub-
scryved by the designatoris forsaid."

138

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1650.

Examinatioun of the rest of the witnessis In Mr. Robert Vatsone his
process :

The said day, compeired David Ruddah in Fortrie, being admittit wit-
ness and suorne, vt supra, deponed, in omnibus, according to George Brab-
ner his depositione, and that thes men vent out of the ministeris land to the
rebellion vith Huntly and James Grhame ver caused mak ther repentance
at ther returne, but knew not if the minister had any hand in ther out-
going.

Compeired William Adamsone, at the Nethermilne, being admittit and
suorne, vt supra, deponed conforme to the rest, as also, that Patrik Lang-
muire drew a durk in his defence from the minister his sone and seruantis,
on the Lordis day, being struken be them. Deponed also, that he himself
vas cationer for the woman fornicatrix vith his sone, for hir satisfactione,
but vas neuer sought for the same.

Compeired Alexander Achynachie, being admittit and suorne, vt supra,
deponed that he knew nothing of the first four particularis of George
Geddes his depositioune. In caeteris, deponed conforme to the deposition
of George Brabiner and the rest of the witnessis.

Compeired Robert Richardsone, in Grange, being admittit vitness and
suorne, vt supra, deponed conforme to the rest.

Compeired Johne Henderson, ane elder, being admittit and suorne, de-
poned conforme to the rest ; and William Richardson, kirk-officiar, deponed
also conforme to the rest, in omnibus that he knew.

The bretheren having hard and considered the former depositionis, quher-
by finding diveris poyntis prouen against the said Mr. Robert, and incaice
it be found needfull ther are diuers other witnessis alreadie suorne and ad-
mittit vho may be tryed if the forsaid probatiouns be not sufficient ; and
seing the said Mr. Robert had accused some of the bretheren, in face of
presbytry, of partiall dealling, and had appealled, in ane vther process
aboue specified, from ther sentence, therfor the bretheren thoght good to
referr both the processis to the consideratioun and censure of the As-
sembly.

The bretheren seuerallie remowed, and being seriouslie examined con-
cerning ther lyf and conversatioune, good affection to the work of refor-
mation, ver approuen, except Mr. Robert Watsone, vhose process vas de-
pending.

1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 139

Att Botarie, 16th Aprilis, 1650.

The said day, compeh-ed Hugh Gordon in Rynnie, and George Ander- Gordon.
son of Miltoun, and humblie supplicated the presbytrie to be resaued to the Anderson.
subscription of the League and Covenant, having bein debarred therfra in
ther owne parish for subscryving the Act of Parliament approuing the late
wnlawfull ingagment, quhilk ingagment now they disclaimed vnder ther
handis as unlawfull, and acknowledgit ther breach of covenant therby, pro-
mising neuer to subscryw any thing, in tyme coming, of publict concern-
ment vithout advyse of the kirk ; quhervpon they ver ordained to be re-
saued in ther owne parish kirk, according to the Act of the Generall As-
semblie.

The said day, George Gordon in Culithie, Alexander Leith in Bucharne, Gordon.
William Gordon in Gartly, gaue in ther supplicatiouns to be resaued to Leith.
the subscription of the League and Covenant. The bretheren, not finding
such satisfaction in ther cariage as they void haue vissed, continowed them
for a tyme, and ordained Mr. Johne Chalmer, ther minister, to conferr vith
them, and to search quhow they haue caried themselfs since the subscrip-
tion of the Act of Parliament approuing the late unlawfull ingagement, and
according as he findis them humbled to report to the presbytry.

Mr. Robert Watson reported he had given the goodvyf of Flooris the Godvyi' of
first admonition. Ordained to proceed, vt supra. Flooris.

Att Keyth, 23d Aprilis, 1650.
Conveined Mr. James Gordon, minister at Rothemay ; Mr. Robert Ja- Act of Desk
mesone, minister at Botarie ; Mr. Johne Reidfurd, minister at Abercher- »|*'^",' *'^^f
dour ; vith the Laird of Rothemay ; George Calder of Assuenlie ; Gilbert Kcyth his
Barclay of Allanbuy, commissioneris nominat and elected by the Presbytry g^'^sso.
of Strathbogie at Botarie, sixteenth Aprilis, 1650, for designatioun of
grasse to Mr. William Kinnimount, present minister at Keyth, and his
successoris, and accordinglie they conveined vpon the ground and landis of
Culsardie callit the Cruikit Hauch, as the nixt adjacent landis to the mi-
nister his gleib and manse, and ther, according to the power granted and
giuen to them as said is, after mature deliberatioun and inspection of such
proportion of landis as they thoght expedient for accommodating the said
Mr. William, present minister, and his successoris, for grasse, according to
the late Act of Parliament, appoynted and designed to the said Mr.
William, and his successoris, ministeris at Keyth, the said Cruikit Hauch

140 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650.

of Culsardlie, belonging to the Laird of Grant, lyand vpon the north syd of
the water of Ila, vith ane vther litle hauch vpon the south syd of the said
water, raithit and raerched as followes, viz.^ beginning at the north end of
the said Cruik Hauch, at the steping stones of the said water, and therfra
wpp the neirest rodd vpon the brae head, and therfra ascending southvard
in the brae head as the hie rodd goes, and as the same is mithit and merched
to the south end of the same hauch, and therfra descending as the same is
merchit to the water of Ila ; and descending doun the said water againe to
the forsaid stepping stones at the north quher they begod, and therfra cross-
ing the said water to the south syd of the same, and ther layed of and de-
signed ane vther litle hauch of the forsaid landis of Culsardlie, as the same
is presentlie occupied and possessit be Johne Cruikshank in Keyth, and as
the same is merchit, viz., from the north end therof, ascending vpon the east
syd therof as the corne growes to the south end of the same quher it is
merched, and therfra going to the said water of Ila vpon the north wast
syd therof, and descending againe, as the said water runis, to the north end
of the same quher it merchis vith landis called the Floores of Kirkhill ; and
ther gaue reall and actuall possession to Mr. William Kininmount, for him-
self and his successoris, ministeris at Keyth, of the saidis hauches, merched
and mithit as is aboue expressit, by delyverance of earth and stone, as vse is,
no man opponing the contrair. This was done in presens of Walter Bar-
clay, notter publict in Keyth ; James Gordon of Birkinburne ; Johne Rob
in Keyth. Quhervpon the said Mr. William Kininmount took instrument
in the handis of the said Walter Barclay ; and, in further werificatioun of
the premissis, the principall copie of the said designatioun is subscryved by
the designatoris forsaid.

Att Botarie, I5th May, 1650.
The said day, compeired Mr. Patrik Anderson, sone lawfull to George
Anderson of Miltoun of Noth, and gaue in a supplicatioun, humblie re-
quyring to be resaued to subscryv the Solemne League and Covenant,
being but of late returned to the kingdom, vho, befor his remowall, had bein
in actuall rebellion vith George Lord Gordon, vhose domestik seruand he
vas, all quhich he declared and humblie acknowledgit in his supplicatioun ;
quhervpon he vas ordained presentlie to subscryv the band made in behalf
of such delinquentis, at Aberdein, May, 1647, be the Commissioneris of
the Generall Asserablie, quhilk he obeyed, and vas ordained the nixt Lordis

1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 141

day to mak his repentance, in sackcloth, in his owne parish kirk of Rynnie,
according to the practise in the lyk cases, and therafter to be resaued ac-
cording to the ordour.

Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported the Laird of Craig vas keeping the kirk. Laird of Craig.

Compeired Johne Gordon of Awachie, WilHam Murray of Achmull,
Johne Hamiltoun, at the Milne of Kynnoir, requyring the Assemblie ther
answer anent the plantatioun of the kirkis of Kinnoir and Dumbennand ; to Kinnoir and
quhom it was answered, ther commissioner was present at the Assemblie, Dumbennand,
vho could report his diligence to themselfis, and for any thing as yet alledgit
be them, they wer to proceid in Mr. William Jamesone his tryallis for the
said charge of Kinnoir, and, being found qualified, ver to admitt him.

Compeired Mr. Alexander Innes of Culvie, and gaue in his supplicatioun, Innes.
humblie requyring the presbytrie ther concurrence for his relaxatioun from
the fearfull sentence of excommunicatioun, quhervith he seemed mightelie
dejected. The bretheren promised to assist him by ther commissioneris to
the Generall Assemblie in presenting his supplicatioun, and shewing quhat
they knew of his carriage since his excommunicatioun.

The said day, Mr. Alexander Fraser regraited that Johne Andersone of Fraser.
Westertoun had scandellized him, in calling him an adulterer. The said
Johne being present, vas presentlie called, and confessed he had hard, and
also had said the said Mr. Alexander had committed adulterie vith ther
milvort his vyf, but he vas not the author of it, nor thoght it to be trew.
The mater referred to further tryell at the wisitatioun of ther kirk, fifth
Junij.

The said day, Mr. Robert Jamesone, Mr. Johne Reidfurd, Mr. James Act anent
Gordon, ministeris, George Calder of Assuenlie and Gilbert Barclay of the Mansse
Allanbuy, ruling elderis, having been nominated and appoynted be the
Presbytrie at Botarie, sixteenth Aprilis, to goe to the kirk of Keyth, and
tak particular notice and inspection of the minis of the mansse of Keyth,
and bigging belonging therto, and the imployment of four hundreth
merkis formerlie alloted for repairing the edifice of the housse and mansse
of the said kirk, being brunt and demolished be the comon enimie, in tyme
of the rebellion, did report, they had seriously gone about ther com-
mission, and ther fund the former four hundreth merkis to be exhausted
alreadie on the said building, and yet the said mansse not to be half
repaired, having found more houssis demolished then first vas thought
vpon at the tyme of allowing the former hundreth merkis of the wacand

142 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650.

stipend for the said vse, and that, in ther judgment, vther fyw hundreth
merkis (by and attour the former four alreadie disbursit) will hardlie put
the said manse in its former integritie. Quhich report, the presbytry
taking to ther consideratioun, and still mynding ther owne, and the inten-
tions of the Synod of Murray, vas (vpon the frequent desyris and
supplicatioun of the parishoneris of Keyth) to repair and build vp the
said raansse to that integritie it vas in befor the burning and demolishing
therof, out of the wacand stipendis of the said kirk, doe therfor appoynt
and ordaine vther fyw hundreth merkis, by and attour the former, allowed
to be wplifted by the collectoris forraerlie appoynted, for that vse, out of
the readiest of the forsaid wacand stipendis, and employed for the per-
fecting of the said building, for the better accommodatioun of the present
minister and his successoris ; the said collectoris being still comptable to
the presbytery for ther intromission, and giuing ane compt of ther de-
bursments to the said vse, as they salbe requyred at the finishing of the
said worke. And we are confident that our proceedings in this busines
will find the approbatioun of the Provinciall Assembly, or ther commis-
sioneris appoynted for wisitatioun of the province, and that the Generall
Assemblie will not think it fitt that the wacand stipendis of the said parish
sould be imployed to any vse till first the forsaid mansse and houssis
belonging therto be fullie repaired, wpbuildit, and made free, in all tyme
coming, to the ministeris, and that in regaird the parishoneris of Keyth
had once made the said mansse free to the kirk, vpon ther owne charges,
befor the burning and demolishing therof.

Att Botrufnie, 5th Junij, 1650.

Mr. William Jamesone taught, Mathew 4, v. 11. His travailis ap-
prouen ; onlie he was admonished to be more cleir in the explicatioun of
the wordis.

The said day, George Ogilvie in Keyth, having beine ane leivtenant
vpon the late vnlaufull ingadgment, gave in his supplicatioun, confessing
the evill and wickednes therof, humblie requyring to be receaued into the
League and Covenant. He was ordained to be resaued in his owne
parish kirk, according to the Act of the Generall Assemblie.

The minister, Mr. Alexander Fraser, remoued, and his elderis, viz.,
WilUam M'Fersone of Drummuire ; Arthur Stewart of Auchcroy ; James
Christie of Hachinhead ; Johne Grant, in Bowmakelache ; Arthur

1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 143

Stewart, in Bellihack ; William Stewart, in Bodinfinach ; Alaster Stewart,
in Kirktoun ; Thomas Sheipheard, in Drumuie ; Patrick Duncan, in
Cowie ; " James Cobin, in Ardbrodin ; being all suorne, vith vplifted
handis, to declare according to ther knowledge in the particularis they
ver to be posed concerning ther minister. And, first, being posed
concerning his preaching, if they ver edified therby, if he preached for
the worke of reformatioune, and how oft he preached on the Lordis
day ; answered, they ver edified therby, and that he preached tuyse in
the long day, and that he had spoken more for the reformatioune vithin
this yeir then befor. 2. Being posed anent the celebration of the com-
munion, how oft it was celebrat in the yeir, and if he did it decentlie,
according to the Directorie for Publict Vorship ; answered, it vas
not celebrat but once thir five or six yeiris, and on that tyme had reid-
ing of scripture in tyme of the celebration ; and that the people ver
not ofter catechized then the communion vas giffen. 3. Being posed how
he celebrat the sacrament of baptisme, if he did that according to
the Directorie, and if he had ane particular day in the week for lecture
or catechising, and celebration of the sacrament of baptisme, as they
sould occurre ; deponed, that he vsed to baptize on the Lordis day, after
the blissing, and after sessioun, and on any week day, vithout lecture.
4. Being posed how he exercised his discipline, if all malignantis in the
parish ver censured according to the Actis of Assemblie, and if compt
ves taken vith the collector of his resett and debursments, and if ther vas
ane good harmonic of amitie and concord betuixt the minister and his
sessioneris in punishing all kynd of vyce ; deponed, that some malig-
nantis vithin the parish, namlie, Johne Anderson of Westertoun, had
neuer satisfied as yet, and that ther vas some discord betuixt the minister
and the said Johne Anderson, quhilk they thoght arose for the minister
his augmentatioun of his stipend, and that the said Johne vas remowed
from the sessioun onlie ane tuentie days since. Also, that they were not so
decent in ther sessioun as became such ane judicatorie; the minister his
stipend being collected somtyme in face of sessioun, and frequentlie on the
Lordis day, be the collectoris appoynted be the parishoneris for that vse ;
and that ther ver some superstitious practices, viz.^ ther conveining in the
kirk on the first Monday of the quarter, and taking ther nighbours oaths
that they sould not harme ane another, the minister also being present, and
no censure inflicted heirvpon. 5. Being posed if the minister residit at his

144 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650.

kirk, attendit his charge duelie, if he had any distractions, and concerning
his lyf and conversatioun, if he lined as it became the minister of Christ
Jesus ; deponed, he vas blameles in lyf and conversatioun, and that he duelt
halfmyle from the kirk, having some labouring quhervith he vas litle or
nothing taken up, having a sone that did attend the same. And, lastlie,
being asked if he vrged fapiilie worship, and also ver requyred to declare
quherin they void haue ther minister to be admonished, answered, he vrged
familie worship publictlie, but void wish all absentis and contemneris of
afternoonis exercise on the Lordis day to be more strictlie looked to and
censured.

The elderis being reraowed, and the minister being posed of ther fidelitie
and cariage in ther places, answered, he knew nothing of them saue onlie
they ver careles in delating any vyce but fornicatioun and adulterie, quhilk
they ver admonished off, and requyred to amend.

The minister and elderis ordained to restrain pennie brydellis.

Duff. The said day, ane regrait giffen in be Alexander Duff in Westertoun

for want of accommodatioun in the kirk, not knoving the particular division
of the kirk for the people ther accommodatioun, the minister vas ordained
to mak publict iutimatioun out of pulpit, requyring the heritoris to meet
some week day for divyding the kirk in just proportion of rowme for the
vhole heritoris and inhabitantis of the parish ; and vpon ther advertisment,
Mr. Robert Jamesone, Mr. William Kinninmount, Mr. George Meldrum,
Assuenlie, and Gilbert Barclay, ordained to convein vith them for assisting
of them in the said busines.

Anderson. Anent the referr from the last meetting, concerning the minister his

scandell of alledgit adulterie be Johne Anderson of Westertoun, compeired
the said Johne Anderson, and being asked vhy he had scandellized his
minister vith ane alledgit adulterie, answered, he had not scandellized him,
nor vas he the spreader of that scandell ; but quhat he had done or spoken
in that particular vas in obedience to ane referre of the presbytry, 1642,
ordaineing the elderis to search quhat they could learn of that scandell
raised be ane young lass then duelling vith that milvort vith vhose vyf he
vas scandellized. It vas declared to him, and mad manifest by the sessioun
book, that at the nixt wisitatioun, 1643, the minister vas fred of that as-
persion be him and the rest of the elderis, the said Johne answered, he vas
not present at that visitatioun, nor knew he of it, nether had he euer
keeped any wisitatioun since the 42 ; and that now, hearing of a provin-

1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 145

ciall visitatioun quher all elderis ver to be suorne anent ther mmister his
lyf and conuersatioun, he vas vsing his diligence in the inquirie of the
former referr. He being posed if he had gotten any further tryell or light
in the said busines, answered he had, quhilk he vas villing to declare,
provyding he sould not be holden for the sclanderer, he giuing authoris for
quhat he spak, quhervnto the presbytry condescendit, provyding his authoris
owned the said speeches. And, first, the said Johne Anderson declared,
that William Anderson, Elspet Johnston hir husband, said, if the minister
souD-ht him by any decreit, he sould seek him for a vorse thing, for defyling
his wyf. 2. That James Cobin said to the minister himself, I hard ye was
seek vpon a tyme, and vpon the night ye wold goe to the kirk and pray, and
instead of going to the kirk ye vent to the milvort his house. 3. That
Elspet Corbie, spous to James Roy in Argathnie, being asked on a tyme
be the minister his wyf quhat newes shoe hard, answered, that a seruant
women of hiris being in Bocharne, hard Burges Innes saying that the mi-
nister of Botrufnie had fallen vith Elspet Johnstoun, the milvort his wyf,
vho desyred hir goe to hir own house, and tell hir husband the minister so
much, quhich shoe did. Also, he said he vas informed that Magdalen Mill
had spoken much of the said busines, and diveris vtheris, as he sould call
to memorie ; but seing the night vas approaching, these witnesses ver con-
tinowed till the provinciall visitatioun at Aberlour, the last Tysday Junii,
ther to be examined ; and the said Johne Anderson summondit apud acta
to keep the said day and place, and the minister ordained to summond such
elderis as ver not present this day to keep the said dyet, and thir witnesses
also to be summondit for the effect forsaid.

The said Johne Anderson not having satisfied for his complyance vith Anderson,
the rebellis, gaue in his supplicatioun desyring to be resaued, and humblie
submitting himself to the censure of the presbytry, the bretheren ordained
him to mak his repentance in sackcloth in his owne parish kirk, and sub-
scryve the band, according to the ordour ; and Mr. George Meldrum to
preach at Botrufnie the nixt Lordis day, and resaue him ; and Mr. Alex-
ander Fraser to preach at Glas.

The said day vas produced ane letter from the Presbytry of Fordyce, of Fordyce.
the dait thirtieth Maii, requyring the bretheren to meet with them at
Nether Milne of Strath Ila, twentieth Junij, for going to perarabulat the
landis of Edinglassie, and cognoscing the expediencie of disjoyning them
from the kirk of Mortulach and annexing them to the parish kirk of Glas,

T

146 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650.

according to the ordinance of the Generall Assemblie, at Edinburgh the
[ ] day of [ ] 1649 ; as also, for considering the better

accommodatioun of some vther laudis vithin the boundis of the presbytry ;
quhervnto the bretheren condiscendit, and ordained the moderator to
acquant the Presbytry of Fordyce of ther willingnes to keep day and place
forsaid.

The bretheren resaued advertisment from the commissioneris of the
Generall Assemblie of ane solemne thanksgiuing for that happie victorie
over James Grahame and his associatis in rebellion against our kirk and
kingdome in the north partis.
Lady Fren- Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported, the Lady Frendraught had subscryved the

"'^^■"f^d Solemne League and Covenant, and abjured Poprie in the seuerall headis

and articles in the National Couenant.

Att Botarie, 12th Junij, 1650.
Commission- The said day being appoynted for nomination and election of commis-
eris elected, gioneris for the Generall Assemblie, and for commission of plantatioun of
kirkis, if the said commission sail happin to sitt ; Mr. Robert Jamesone, Mr.
William Kinninmount, Mr. George Meldrum on the list, Mr. William
Kinninmont and Mr. George Meldrum ver chosen ; and the Laird of
Rothemay, Assuanlie younger, Gilbert Barclay of AUanbuy, ruling elderis
on the list, the Laird of Rothemay vas elected to attend the insuing Ge-
nerall Assembly.

The said day, the Laird of Kinardie requyred, by his letter, the presbytry
ther determinatioun anent the accommodatioun of the people of Turterie
for Godis publict worship, after ther perambulatione of the parish of
Rothemay and landis of Turterie, (granted vpon the humble supplicatioun
of the Laird of Kinardie and Leivtennant Colonell Beroald Innes, vod-
setteris of the saidis landis, in name of the inhabitantis therof,) both to the
presbytry and Provinciall Assembly of Murray ; quhilk landis, after per-
ambulation and serious consideratioun, vas found to be tuo myles, or there-
by, distant from the kirk of Rothemay ; and that the rest of the parish, in
the circumference therof, to be as farr equallie distant, the kirk being si-
tuated in medio ; and the saidis landis of Turterie ver but ane quarter myle
distant from the kirk of Abercherdour, the said kirk being situated in the
west end of the parish next Rothemay, the water of Devren being inter-
sected betwixt the saidis landis and both the saidis kirkis ; the presbytry

1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 147

finding farther that the parish of Rothemay vas lesse in boundis, in rent,
and fewer communicants then the parish of Abercherdour, doe, for these
and vther reasonis giffen in, and to be giuen in, by both parties to the
Generall Assembly, referr the determinatioun of all to the Assemblie.

Compeired George Gordon in Culithie, and gaue in his supplicatioun, Gordon.
quherin he acknovvledgit, in all humihtie, his offence against God and brak
of Covenant, by subscryving the Act of Parliament for the vnlawfull in-
gagement, and confessit his vnfained sorow for the same, promising, by the
grace of God, in all tym comming to keep himself free of all such wicked
courses, and humblie requyred to be resaued to the bosome of the kirk
vpon his repentance, that he might be made capable of the sacrament of
the Lordis Supper vith the rest of the congregatioun. The bretheren
finding themselfs better satisfied vith his cariage and humiliatioun then be-
fore, and his minister reporting that, since his entrie, he fand nothing but
ane modest and humble way of walking in lyf and conversatioune, or-
dained him to be resaued in his owne parish kirk, according to the Act of
the Assemblie.

Att Botarie, 10th July, 1650.

The said day vas produced the result of the presbytry ther raeetting vith
the Presbytry of Fordyce at Nethermilne, twentith Junij, the tenor quher-
of followes :

" Att Nethermilne of Strathila, 20th Junij, 1650. The quhilk day and Act anent the
place being appoynted by the mutual consent of the Presbytries of Strath- '^","^'^',"» °*
bogie and Fordyce, anent the disjoyning of the landis of Edinglassie, partes kirk of Glass.
and pendicles theirof, from the parish kirk and paroch of Mortulach, vithin
the Presbytry of Fordyce, and annexing the same to the parish kirk and
parochin of Glass in all tym coming, conforme to the ordinance of the Ge-
nerall Assemblie at Edinburgh, the [ ] day of [ ] 1649, for that
effect. The quhilk day, the moderator and bretheren of the Presbytrie of
Strathbogie having conveined, and the Presbytry of Fordyce, notvithstand-
ing of ther letter at Fordyce, May thirtieth, 1650, desyring vs of the Pres-
bytrie of Strathbogie to meet, day and place forsaid, for that purpos, pro-
mising themselfs to be present, sent only ane commissioner of the ministrie,
and ane ruling elder, clothed vith no absolut power to concurr vith vs in
the said particular ; after incalling of the name of God, the presbytry,
finding themselfs disapoynted of the concurrence of ther neighbour pres-

148 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650.

bytry vnto so pious a vorke, so much concerning the honour of God and
the accommodatioun of the inhabitantis of the saidis landis of Edinglassie to
his pubUct worship and seruice, notvithstanding of the frequent supplica-
tiouns of the saidis inhabitantis to the Presbytry of Fordyce to the effect
forsaid, and considering the neir approch of the Generall Assemblie, and
of our necessitie of giuing obedience vnto ther Act of the dait aboue
wretten, and vithall, perfyctlie knowing the wicinitie of the landis aboue
wretten wnto the parish kirk of Glass, the most part quherof are not aboue
half myll distant from the kirk of Glass, and the farrest part therof distant
not much aboue ane myll, and all inclosed vithin the bosome of the said
parochin, quheras part of the saidis landis is distant from the kirk of Mor-
tulach four myles, and the farrest part aboue four myles of verie roch way,
tuo riveris, mountainis, and mossis, hardlie passible, interjected, quhilk is
both knowen and acknowledgit be the Presbytry of Fordyce. All quhich
being deliberatlie considered, together vith the meanness of the present
provisione of the parish of Glass, and largeness of the other parish of
Mortulach, doe therfor declair, that the saidis inhabitantis of the saidis
landis of Edinglassie, vith all the partis, pendicles therof, can in novayes be
commodiouslie serued at the kirk of Mortulach, and may be verie comrao-
diouslie serued at the kirk of Glass, and no quher elis so weel ; quherfor
the said Presbytry of Strathbogie doe, in all hurailitie, intreat the right
honorabill Lordis and vtheris Commissioneris appoynted for waluatioune of
teyndis and plantatioune of kirkis, to interpone ther authoritie and judiciall
act for disjoyning the saidis landis of Edinglassie from the parish kirk and
parish of Mortulach, and annexing the same to the parish kirk and parochin
of Glas in all tyme coming."

The said day, Mr. Johne Innes produced his testificates of his tryallis as
ane expectant, quherby he vas licentiated to preach by the Presbytry of
Garioch, as also of his lyf and conversatioun, as from the presbytry so in
particular from the sessioun of the Chappell of Garioch, quher he had his
particular imployment in teaching ane gramer scoole ; quhervpon he vas
admittit schoolmaster at Abercherdour.

Att Innerkethnie, 24th Julij, 1650.
The said day, after incalling the name of God, conveined the moderator
and bretheren. Absent, Mr. George Meldrum, Mr. William Kininmount,
commissioneris to the Assemblie.

1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 149

Mr. Robert Irving taught, Hos. 14, v. 1, 2, 3.

The said Mr. Robert Irving being remoued, and doctrine censured, the
bretheren thoght him lyvles in his applicatioun, and not applying himself to
the tymes ; his speech somquhat inarticulate.

The elderis being seuerallie posed how they ver edified by his doctrine, Irving',
how he caried in lyf and conversatioun, and how he discharged himself in
his ministeriall calling, declared, all in one voyce, he was no worse in
preaching then befor, and that by him they ver edified, and he vas blameles
in bis lyf and conversatioun. It being shewen them that the bretheren
could not distinctlie vnderstand his expressionis in manie wordis ; answered,
throgh custome they vnderstood him better then vtberis. Notvithstanding
heirof, the bretheren thoght expedient that ane helper sould be adjoyned to
him, and posed the elderis if they thoght not the same, vho answered, they
ver content vith ther owne minister, and thoght him als able to discharge
his calling as befor. And yet, be ther discourse, the bretheren perceiued
ther unwillingnes to haue ane helper proceidit cheiflie from feare of impos-
ing the said helper his mantenance on them ; quhervpon the bretheren or-
dained the said Mr. Robert to prosecute the lawes of the kingdome for pro-
vision of his kirk, and he, and four of his elderis at least, to keep the pro-
vincial! visitatioun at Cromdell, the second Tysday of September nixt, ac-
cording to the ordinance of the said visitatioun at Aberlour, to quhich they
referred the consideratioun of all.

The said day, compeired the Lord Oliphant, being summondit for not Oliphant.
keeping his parish kirk of Abercherdour, vho declared his inabilitie of bodie
many tymes, and the want of houses for accommodating him and his familie
so farr distant from the same, vas the onlie cans, quhilk he promised to
amend in tym comming. Mr. John Reidfurd ordained to report the same
to the presbytrie, and vpon his continowed absence, to processe him.

The Laird of Kinardie being summondit for the same efl'ect, called, com- Kinardie.
peired not personallie, but sent ane letter containing some frivolous excuses,
quhilk the bretheren novayes thoght relevant. His minister vas ordained to
deall vith him for his keeping till the Provincial Assemblie, and ther report
quhat he had eff'ectuat, as also to deall vith him for subscryving the League
and Covenant.

The said day, Mr. Johne Chalmer reported that William Gordon, Parishonoris
Patrik Gordon, Alexander Anderson, parishoneris of Gartly, had satisfied ^ ^''

according to the former ordinance in all poyntis, and so wer resaued to
the League and Covenant.

150

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1650.

Ane letter
from the
Presbytry of
Edinburgh.

The bretheren having resaued, since the last meetting, ane varning from
the Coramissioneris of the General! Assemblie, of the dait twenty-fifth
Junii, in relation to the sectaries now threttning to invade this kingdome,
together vith causes of a fast for a blissing on the present Generall As-
semblie, ane happie successe to our commissioneris gone to his Majestie,
and diueris vther causes contained and expressit in former fastis; the quhilk
fast sould haue been keeped the last Lordis day, Junij, but came not sooner
to our handis. All reported they had read the said warning, and intimate
the said fast to be keeped the nixt Lords day.

The said day vas produced ane letter from the Presbytry of Edinburgh,
showing the threatning of the sectaries in England to invade this kingdome,
vho having dealt so deceitfullie in the caus of God and his Covenant, and
that the Parliament had taken course for a present and speedie levie in re-
ference to the defence of the countrey against these men vhose successe, in
all appearance, void bring forth ruine of religione and government amongst
vs ; quhervpon it vas thoght expedient that everie minister sould contribute
according to the proportion sett doune in the said letter for ane regiment of
horss, to be presentlie levied for that said expeditioun. The bretheren re-
solued to giue obedience heirvnto vith all possible diligence, and appoynted
the nixt meetting vltimo Julii, at Botarie, quher everie one sould report
ther diligens, the tyme being short and the busines of gryt weight.

Innes.

Duncan.

Att Botarie, 14th August, 1650.

Mr. William Kinninmont, Mr. George Meldrum, commissioneris to the
Generall Assemblie, hauing returned and giuen accompt of ther diligens,
ver found faithfull, and approuen in ther commission. The said commis-
sioneris having advysed ther bretheren of ane fast indicted by the Generall
Assemblie, to be intimat the first day after ther return from the Assemblie,
for religion, king, and kingdome, according to quhich aduertisraent the
bretheren reported they had intimat and keeped accordinglie.

Compeired Mr. Alexander Innes of Culvie, requyring his former sup-
plicatioun for his relaxatioun from that fearfuU sentence of excommunicatioun
to be sent be the presbytry to the commission of the kirk, vith ther owne
testificat of such signes of humiliatioun as they had seen in him. The
bretheren ordained him to renew the same in plain and simple expressionis
of the treuth, againe ther nixt day.

The said day, Mr. Robert Jamesone reported ane Normand Duncan
had bein sein committing bugrgarie, now fled from the boundis. Ordained

1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 151

the said Mr. Robert to excommunicat him the nixt Lordis day, and report
to the presbytry.

The said day, Mr. George Meldrum reported, that having hard of ane Gordon ol
child recentlie borne be one Christan Gordon, sister to the goodman of Beldornie.
Beldornie, sent for tuo of his elderis, and vent to the place of Beldornie
for the tryall of the same, and ther askit hirself, hir sister, and rest of the
familie if ther vas such ane thing, all denyed any thing of that kynd ; bot
they being crediblie informed of the birth of a child ther, vent to ane more
narrow search throgh the seuerall rowmes of the hous, quher they saw
some signes of childbirth, and yet nothing could be had but close deniall
from the woman hirself, till at last, after long and earnest paines in dealling
vith hir, shoe confessed the same, and shew the rowme, quher they fand the
child murthered ; and being askit vho vas the father of the child, answered,
ane trouper, notvithstanding it vas surmising among them that hir brotheris
sone vas the father of the same ; quhervpon the said Mr. George resolues
to committ hir in custodie to some sure hand, till he sould advyse vith the
shirreff anent the murther of the child, and vith the presbytry anent hirself
and father of the child, but hir goodsister and people vithin the house
vndertook to keep hir, and to be comptable for hir. The minister and
elderis acquiesced heirvnto for the tyme. The said Christan getting too
much libertie, and litle attendance vithin the house, throwes hirself over
the house wall of Beldornie, and brwses all hir bones ; after which fall, shoe
confessed to some that hir brother sone vas the father of the child. Ther-
after, the said Mr. George comming to hir, and spending some certaine
tyme in prayer and conference vith hir, could find no ingenous confession,
and at last, throgh the vehemencie of pain occasioned by hir said fall, ex-
pyres this mortall lyf. The bretheren, having hard this greiuous report,
ordaines Mr. George Meldrum to summonde the said Johne Gordon
of Beldornie, younger, and all these that ver about the said Christan, in
the familie or wtherwaycs, to the nixt dyett. The nixt mectting twenty-
eighth August, quher Mr. Williame Jamesone hes his questionarie tryall in
theologie and chronologie.

Att Botarie, '28th August, 1650.
Compeired Johne Gordon, appearand of Beldornie, and being accused Gordon of
of incest and adulterie vith Christan Gordon, his fatheris sister, vho had beldornie.
murthered both hirself and the child, denyed the same ; and it being showcn

152

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1650.

Vitnessis
against
Beldorny.
Calder.

Gordon.

Gordon.

Colly.

him that, at hir death, shoe confessed him to be the father of the child, he
granted the same to be said be hir, but alledgit shoe vas distracted, and
therafter denyed it. The witnessis that had any converse vith her about
the said tyme, or vho ver thought to know any thing of the said busines,
being summondit, compeired personallie, and being seuerallie suorne, de-
poned as followes, viz. :

George Calder of Assuenlie being suorne, deponed as he vas demandit ;
and, first, being posed if he knew any thing of the scandellous conversatioun
of Johne Gordon, appearand of Beldorny, vith Christan Gordon, his fa-
theris sister, deponed he knew nothing. 2. Being posed if he vas suborned
by these people of Beldorny, that he sould not tell the treuth, answered not.
3. Being posed if he knew the said Christan vas distracted from the tyme
of hir fall till the tyme of hir death, answered, he thoght shoe was not, but
vas sensible and penitent. 4. Being posed vhither or no shoe named young
Beldorny to be the father of the child, deponed, that quhen he spak vith the
voman hirself and asked, shoe answered, shoe affirmed it in his presence,
and said if he ver brought in hir presence he durst not deny it ; quheropon
his mother threatned hir for quhat shoe said, and denyed his presence.

Margaret Gordon Lady Assuenlie being suorne, and posed the same
interrogatoris, after the same ordour they are sett down, answered to the
first, vt supra ; to the second, vt supra negatiuely ; to the third, shoe an-
swered shoe thoght hir somquhat distracted ; and to the fourth, that shoe
hard hir not speak any thing concerning Johne Gordon that he vas the
father of the child.

Jeane Gordon, goodvyf of Achinhandak, being suorne, vt supra, deponed
eonforme to Margaret Gordon in the first three quaeres ; and for the fourth,
deponed that shoe named a trouper to be the father of the child.

Elspet Gordon, spous to Mr. William Hay, being suorne and posed
eonforme to the rest, vt supra, deponed eonforme to Jean Gordon in omnibus.

Jeane Gordon, daughter to the goodvyf of Achinhandoch, being suorne,
deponed to the first, negatiuely ; to the second, answered negatiue ; to the
third, nefjatiue ; to the fourth, negatiue, and said shoe sueir, let neuer the
sunne shyne on hir that if shoe said that, shoe knew not quhat shoe vas
saying.

Janat Colly being suorne, deponed to the first, negatiue ; to the second,
negatiue ; to the third, shoe said shoe thought hir not at hirself; to the
fourth, negatiue.

1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 153

Elspet Morisone being suorne conforme, deponed to the first, negatiue ; Morison.
to the second, negatiue ; to the third, negatiue ; to the fourth, that after
hir fall shoe affirmed a trouper to be the father of the child, and that shoe
hard hir say shoe sould mak them repent that void not keep.

Marie Gordon, seruand in the hous of Beldornie, being suorne conforme Gordon,
and posed, to the first, answered negatiue ; to the second, negatiue ; to the
third, shoe thoght hir distracted after hir fall till death ; to the fourth, shoe
affirmed that Elspet Morison said that it vas surmished among themselfs
that young Beldorny vas the father of the child.

Janet Kerre being suorne and posed conforme to the rest, answered, to Kerr.
the first, negatiue ; to the second, negatiue ; to the third, 7iegatiue ; to the
fourth, that shoe hard hir affirme a trouper vas the father of the child.

Bessie Bettie being suorne and posed conforme to the rest, answered, to Bettie.
the first, negatiue ; to the second, negatiue ; to the third, negatiue ; to the
fourth, that shoe being sent be the minister to sie her and enquyr vho vas
the father of the child, shoe declared to hir that Johne Gordon vas the
father.

Isobell Cowper being suorne and posed conforme, vt supra, answered, to Cowper.
the first, negatiue ; to the second, negatiue ; to the third, that shoe affirmed
hirself shoe vas not at hirself ; to the fourth, shoe said the goodvyff" of
Beldorny said to hir, God nor hir sould be condemned for laying the child
on hir sone. The voman Christan Gordon hir answer vas, They had
gotten all of hir they void gett.

After examinatioun of the saidis witnessis, the said Johne Gordon vas Gordonis of
called vpon and summondit, apud acta, to compeir the Provinciall Assemblie ^^'"orny.
of Murray, to be holden the first Tuysday Octobris nixt, to quhich tyme
all vas referred that concerned the said busines.

The said day, the goodvyfe of Beldorny vas requyred publictlie to dis-
haunt hir brother-in-law his companie ; and Mr. George Meldrum is or-
dained to look quhat obedience shoe giues to the said advyse, and report to
the presbytry, as he wold be answerable.

The said day, Mr. George Meldrum heavilie regraited, that quhile ther
sessioun of Glasse ver about the tryall of ane scandell of adulterie betuixt
Gilbert Gald, one of ther elderis, and Janet Duncan, vho had bein fugitiue
ane yeir and more from ther parish vith ane child to the said Gilbert Gald
wnbaptized, as now, having returned, shoe confessis ; and quhill he vas
accusing his elderis for ther neglect in delating so crying and sinfull fact,

u

154 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650.

and in particular reprehending one James Robertsone, nixt adjacent elder,
yea, duelling in the nixt house almost quher the said woman liued vith the
child for a good space, for concealing the same ; quhom he posed if he
knew not the said woman to haue that child ther, answered, he had no
notice of the said scandell ; and in place of taking his adraonitioun patientlie,
and confessing his neglect of dutie in delating, the said James spake most
baslie and scandellouslie of his minister, saying all the notice he had of the
said busines ves from one vhose tailes, if they ver all trew, he vould cause
the best ther haue foull faces, (meaning the minister) ; and being asked
quhat that ves, refuised to tell ; quhervpon he is remowed, and the elderis
enquyred quhat they thoght of such speeches, if they could be passed, or be
made to explain himself quhat he meaned, and by quhom he meaned, quhilk
was thoght expedient, he being on of ther number, and speaking so, judi-
ciallie in face of session ; and so being called back, he declares publictlie
that George Robertsone had said he sould cause that lowne the minister
haue a fowll face, for he gottin ane bairne in fornicatioun vith Elspet Gor-
don, daughter to Innermerkie, quhilk that he wold stand till. 2. That he
had ane bairn in Buchan at the schoole. 3. That he had taken ane dunne
cow from one James Brabner, for concealling his fornicatioune vith Mar-
garet Gordon. And, 4. That he had taken ane firlat of malt after ane
vther vas done, for concealling Margaret Straquhen hir fornicatioune.
Quhervpon the said James Robertsone vas summondit apud acta to keep
this day befor the presbytry, and to bring his author and proofes with him.
Compeired this day the said George Robertsone, quhom the said James
did giue for author of these scandellous speeches, and being posed of all
the parti cularis, denyed the same. The said James brings ane Alexander
Gald for witness, vho being admittit be the said George and suorne, de-
poned that he hard George Robertsone say the minister vas a lowne, and
had gottin ane dunne cow from James Brabner for concealing his fornica-
tioune ; and that he spak also of the malt alledgit be him gottin from Mar-
garet Straquhen for concealling hir fornicatioun, but he hard no more.
The mater continowed to farther probatioun, quhilk the said James wnder-
tooke to bring the nixt day ; and to that effect, both George and James
Robertsones ver summondit ajmd acta to compeir.
Brabner. Compeired the said James Brabner, from quhom the minister receaued

the dunne cow, and being solemnilie suorne vpon his gryt oath to declare
how and in quhat termes he gaue that cow to the minister, deponed he

1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 155

sold hir to him for twenty-four merkis, and had resaued so much from him
for hir pryce.

Compeired Johne Gordon in Ouerhall, James Duff of Bad, Thomas
Gordon, sone to the goodman of Daache, and gaue in ther seuerall suppH-
catiouns to be resaued to the League and Covenant, that they might be
admittit to the holie communion ; but the bretheren persauing them not to
be so humble as ver to be wished, and that ther supplicatiouns declared
small remorse for any thing they had done, they ver referred back and
continowed till they further testifie ther humiliatioun.

The said day, George Geddes gaue in a supplicatioun, desyring Mr. Gcddes.
Robert Watsone his oath of weritie, quhateuer vas resting to him be his
father, grandfather, etc., and he sould satisfie him ; but Mr. Robert not
knowing heirof before, declared he could not presentlie giue his oath con-
cerning any particular comptis, but requyred tuo or three brether sould try
the mater ; quhervith the presbytry being satisfied, did appoynt Mr. Wil-
liam Kinninmont, Mr. George Meldrum, and Mr. Johne Reidfurd, vith
Gilbert Barclay, ruling elder, to meet at Keyth, fifth September, to try
the mater, and report to the presbytry or the provinciall visitatioun, now
at hand.

Att Botarie, 25th September, 1650.

The said day, after incalling one the name of God, conveined the mo-
derator and bretheren. Absent, Mr. Robert Irving. Mr. Johne Reidfurd
exercised, 1st Cor. 4, v. 1, 2. No addition, inrespect of Mr. Robert Irving
his absens. His doctrine approued. Mr. George Chalmer excused his
former dayes absens.

Mr. James Gordon reported he had preached at Kynnoir, eight Septem- Plantation ot
her, and, according as he vas ordained, he had serued ane edict, charging Kynnou-.
all heritoris, wedsetteris, and parochineris quhatsomeuer, that had any thing
to object against Mr. William Jamesone his doctrine, lyf, and conversation,
being formerlie nominat and tryed now by the presbytry to be minister at %

Kynnoir, to compeir this day, as the said edict execute and indorsit at more
lenth beares, quhilk being called, compeired Johne Gordone of Avachie,
William Murry of Achmull, produced ther commission from the rest of the
parishoneris to compeir this day at Botarie, to answer ane edict seruit at
Kynnoir, eight September, giuing and granting full power to the saidis
commissioneris to doe heirin as they thoght meet, promising quhateuer salbe

156 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650.

done by them salbe allowed be the rest of the parishoneris. Ther commis-
sion bein sein and approuen, the moderator asked them quhat they had to
object against Mr. William Jamesone, vhy he might not be admittit to be
ther minister at Kynnoir, according as they ver requyred by the edict in all
poyntis, and seing they had ther commission in vryt, so they ver requyred
to giue in ther reasonis vnder ther handis, that the presbytry might consider
of them and giue them ther answer, quhilk they vndertooke to doe, and ac-
cordinglie performed, the tenor quherof followes :

" 1. We of the parish of Kynnoir findis, first, that this edict is vnfor-
mallie seruit for admitting Mr. William Jamesone to our kirk, conforme to
the Act of Generall Assemblie, therfor ought not be admittit.

" 2. We cannot object any thing in the young manis contrair till we heir
him three or four Lordis dayes, and then, as we find him for our edifica-
tioune or not, we sail giue our answer to the presbytry, or to any particular
minister therof, provyding this is found no consent in vs of accepting him.

" 3. That we haue ane considerable number of parishoneris vho are in
capacitie of ane voyce in election of the minister, notvithstanding are ne-
glected by the presbytry.

" 4. That our cheife and master is at one now with the kirk, and ought
to haue ane voyce in electioune of his owne actuall minister, and conforme
to the Act of the Generall Assemblie, that noblemens kirkis, quher them-
selfs are heirers, ought to be planted vith eminent men. Suhscrihitur^
Johne Gordon, Awachie ; William Murray, Achmull."

The bretheren, after consideratioun of the saidis reasonis, thoght nane of
them relevant. For the first thrie reasonis concerning the informal pro-
cedour of the presbytry may be soon answered from former actis of presby-
try, as in particular, twenty-first November, 1649, and at Grange, nine-
teenth December, 1649, and at Botarie, vltimo Januarii, 1650, and at Dum-
bennand, fourth Julij, 1649 ; and for the last, it is vnknowne to the presby-
try that ther cheife and master is reconciled to the kirk as yet. Alvayes
« seing the Assemblie vas now at hand, the bretheren referred all ther pro-

cedour in the said busines, vith these commissioneris objectionis, to the con-
sideratioun of the said Assemblie.
Robertsones Compeired James and George Robertsones, in Glass, and the said

in Glasse. James being asked quhat more proofes he had brought of these base forged
calumnies vttered by him against ther minister, answered, he had tuo
brotheris of his owne, and ane Alexander Crukshank ; but the said George

1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 157

wold not admitt his owne bretheren as witnessis, and also excepted
against the said Alexander Crukshank, he being his owne brotheris ser-
uant ; and also the said Alexander his brother had broken the said George
his barne. Yet, seing thir vas no mor witnessis, the presbytry resolued
to heir quhat he could declare in the said busines ; vho declared that, long
since, all these people being drinking together, he hard George Robert-
sone speaking baselie of ther minister, but the particularis he took no
notice of them, (the said George being drunk, as he thought,) till at this
tyme he was put in memorie of them be the said James Robertsone. So
then, the forsaid calumnies not being prouen fullie to haue bein spoken be
the said George Robertsone, the said James being called, and posed on
his great oath if he knew any more of the said particularis, or hard of
them be any other, or if he knew the said Elspet Gordon to haue borne a
child at all, or if he knew any thing in his minister, his lyf and conversa-
tioun, worthie eyther of censure or admonition, deponed solemnlie, that
he neuer hard any such thing, but of the said George Robertsone ; nether
knew he nor thoght he any thing but good and honestie to Mr. George
Meldrum, his minister. Also, the said George Robertsone being called,
and posed if he had spoken such calumnies, answered, he vas drunk at
that tyme, and rememberis not quhat he said ; and being solemnlie suorne
vpon his gryt oath to declare if, euer since or befor, he hard any such
thing against his minister, or if he beleiued that any of them ver trew, or
could instruct any such thing, and if he knew the said Elspet Gordon to
haue borne any child at all, and so vas requyred vpon his gryt oath to
declare quhat he knew of his minister, his lyf and conversatioun, either in
his walking as a priuate Christian, or as a minister, in preaching the
word, discipline, or any vther way, vho most solemnlie, vpon his knees,
vith uplifted handis, deponed, he neuer hard such things of him, nor
thoght he any of them to be trew, nor knew he any child to have bein
borne be Elspet Gordon, nor knew he any thing but good and honestie to
the minister, in his lyf and conversatioun, and in discharging his calling,
both in preaching, exercise of discipline, and any vther vay ; and if he
had spoken such things as ver layd to his charge, it vas in his drunkennes,
and rememberis not.

The bretheren, taking the mater to ther consideratioun, thoght both
the said personis worthie of most high censure ; the said George for
drinking to such ane excesse as he knew not quhat he vas saying, and at

158

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1650.

Watson and
Geddes.

Gordonis of
Carnborovv.

Gordon.
Duff.

that tyme sould vent such calumnies as now he sueiris he neuer hard
befor nor after ; and the said James being ane elder, and neuer contra-
dicting his forged calumnies, nor acquainting the minister, till of late, in
face of sessioun, he vpbraded him thervith ; quherfor they ordaine both
thes George and James Robertsones to mak ther publict repentance, in
sackcloth, throgh all the kirkis of the presbytry, and ther to testifie ther
vnfained sorow for ther base and forged calumnies. And Mr. George
Chalmer ordained to preach the next Lordis day at Glas, quher they
most begin ther repentance, and intimat ther censure ; and mak publict
intimatioun of James Robertsone his depositioun from being elder, as
wnvorthie to beare office in the hous of God, having so foullie prevaricat,
as said is. And from thence they most go throgh the rest of the kirkis ;
and, vpon ther humiliatioun, to be absolued again, at ther owne parish
kirk of Glas.

The said day, Mr. William Kinninmont and Mr. George Meldrum,
nominat and appoynted the former day to meet at Keyth, fifth September,
and try the particular restis that was betueen George Geddes and Mr.
Robert Watsone, reported ther diligence ; that accordinglie they mett,
and posed Mr. Robert Watson, vpon his oath, vhither is George Geddes
his father or grandfather iustlie restand yow the summe of fourtie one
libs, yeirlie, for the yeiris 1620, 1621, 1622, and 1623, for quhich ye
haue denunced George Geddes to the borne. The said Mr. Robert re-
fused to answer the question aboue vretten, vpon oath, till he haue a
better ground for taking his oath, and did appeall to the provinciall visita-
tioune at Cromdell, tenth September.

The said day, Catheren, Marie, and Jean Gordonis, daughteris to
Carnborrow, having been summondit, pro S*'"-, for ther not heiring the
word, communicating, etc.^ called, not compeiring, ver ordained to heir
the vord, communicat, subscryv the League and Covenant, under pain of
excommunicatioun .

The said day, Johne Gordon in Overhall, James Duff of Bad, gaue in
ther supplicatiouns, humblie acknowledging their hainous guiltines, not
onlie in being accessorie to the late wnlawfuU engadgment by the sub-
scryving the act approuing the same, contributing ther men and meanis for
careing on the same, but also for not being perfyctlie humbled for ther
former rebellione vith James Grahame, and his associatis ; all quhich
courses they vnfainedlie declared to be detested and abhorred by them ;

1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 159

and so in all humilitie requyred to be resaued to the Lague and Covenant,
promising faithfullie neuer, by the grace of God, to fall into such sinfull
courses againe. The bretheren, finding more signes of repentance then
before, and being satisfied vith ther supplicatiouns, ordained Mr. Robert
Jamesone to resaue them, according to the ordour of the kirk.

Compeired James Gordon of Daach, and his sone Thomas, vho gaue in Gordonis of
ther seuerall supplicationis, the said James acknowledging his accession to I^^^ch.
the late unlawfull ingadgment, by subscryving the act theranent. Ordaned
to satisfie in his owne parish kirk, according to the ordour. The said
Thomas humblie acknowledging his sorow of heart for not joyning in the
League and Covenant vith the rest of Godis covenanted people, quherby he
vas drawen to ane course contrarie therto, by joyning with his freindis at
the rebellion at Balvenie, for all quhich he declared his vnfained sorow, and
desyred to be resaued to the League and Covenant. He was ordained to
subscryv the band containing the acknovledgment of his rebellion, and mak
his repentance in sackcloth, and therfor his minister vas ordained to resaue
him to the League and Covenant.

The said day, Johne Ogiluie of Miltoun in Keyth, did compeir and gaue Ogilvie.
in his supplicatioun, humblie acknowledging his accession to the late horrid
rebellion against God and his cause, ingenuuslie declaring his gryt greif of
heart for the same, promising to walk more religiouslie in all tyme coming,
and so, for taking avay his scandell of his gryt offence, he humblie sub-
mittit himself to the presbytry, quhervpon he vas desyred to subscryw the
band made theranent, quhilk he presentlie obeyed, and ordained to mak his
repentance, in sackcloth, in Keyth, and therafter to be resaued to the
League and Covenant.

Att Botarie, 23d Octobris, 1650.
The said day having been appoynted for ane presbyteriall meetting, the
bretheren keeped not, inrespect of a great invndatioun of wateris. The
nixt day of meetting, thirtieth Octobris, quhilk dyet vas not keeped, in-
respect Lues Gordon, vith ane malignant partie of horses, ver vithin the
boundis of the presbytry, neir and about the presbyteriall seat, seeking and
(as the bretheren ver informed) taking horses quhereuer they might appre-
hend them. The nixt meetting continowed till thirteenth Novembris, inre-
spect the Commission of the province ver to sit down at Elgin the first Tysday
of November, quher the most part of the bretheren ver to be present.

160

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1650.

Names of
ruling elderis.

Robertsone.

Chalmer.

Watsone.

Geddes.

Ane letter
from the
Assemblie of
Aberdein
anent the
annexed landis
of Abercher-
dour to
Forarlin.

Att Botarie, 13th November, 1650.

The said day, the bretheren gaue in the names of ther ruling elderis as
followes : The Laird of Lesmoir, for Rynnie and Essie ; Johne Innes of
Codran, for Gartly ; Mr. Robert Gordon, for Botarie ; Johne Gordon of
Achynacie, for Keyth ; George Abernethie, for Rotheraay ; Johne Gordon
of Achinhandak, for Glass ; George Sinclair, for Innerkethnie ; Johne Gor-
don of Ardmellie, for Abercherdour.

Compeired Agnes Robertsone in Keyth, and having stand half yeir in
joggis and sackcloth for her cohabiting in fornicatioun vith David Palmer
in tyme of the vacancie of thair kirk, quherin having satisfied the congrega-
tioun, hir sinne being layed to hir charge, quhervith shoe seemed to be
tuoched, vas referred back to her owne parish kirk to be absolued the nixt
Lordis day.

Mr. Johne Chalmer reported he had preached at Grange, and intimat
Mr. Robert Watsone his depravatioun, and declared the kirk vacand, as he
vas ordained be the Assemblie, and also had giuen the second prayer for
the goodvyf of Floores, vt supra.

The said day vas produced ane letter from Mr. Andro Cant, desyring
the presbytry not to be hastie in declaring Mr. Robert Watsone his kirk
vacand, schowing he wold get heiring befor the Generall Assemblie. The
mater being done alreadie by ordinance of the Assemblie, the moderator
vas ordained to vryt back ane answer, and declare rem gestam.

The said day, Mr. William Geddes being nominat scoolraaster at Keyth,
vas ordained to haue his tryell on the first ode of Horace the nixt day.

The said day, ane letter produced from Mr. Alexander Cant, as Mo-
derator of the Assemblie of Aberdein, and ane vther letter from the Pres-
bytry of Turreff to the same purpos, showing that Mr. Robert Browne,
minister at Forglin, had obtained ane decreit befor the Lordis of Com-
mission for plantation of kirkis, annexing ane part of the parish of Aber-
cherdour to the said kirk of Forglin, together vith the stipend payable
out of the saidis annexed landis, quhilk stipend Mr. Johne Reidfurd,
minister at Abercherdour, still takis vp, and the said Mr. Robert requires
be vertew of his decreit, quhilk decreit vas produced and giuen to Mr.
Johne Reidfurd to pervse and report the tenor therof the nixt day,
that accordinglie the presbytry might frame an answer for clearing of the
question betuixt the tuo forsaid bretheren befor they sould goe to heiring
by law.

1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 161

The said day, Mr. George Meldrum reported he had preached at Meldrum at
Kynnoir, according to the referr of the Assemblie, and had intimated to %""0'r.
them of the parish that Mr. William Jamesone was to preach ther the nixt
Lordis day, and the day therafter at Dumbennand ; and requyred them to
keep the kirk the saidis dayes ; and also publictlie cited such malignantis
as yet had not satisfied, to compeir befor the presbytry this day to giue
satisfactioun.

Compeired Johne Hamiltoun at the Milne of Kynnoir, and gaue in his Hamiltoun.
supplicatioun desyring to be resaued into the League and Covenant,
humblie acknowledging his former error, and therin showing his destes-
tatioun of all malignant courses ; quhilk the bretheren having considered,
vith his former supplicatiouns to the same purpos, ordained Mr. Johne
Reidfurd to goe and preach at Kynnoir some Lordis day befor the nixt
meetting, and ther resaue the said supplicant, according to the ordour of
the kirk, and to cite William Gordon of Avachie to the nixt day.

Compeired Alexander Hendrie in Kynnoir, supplicating also to be re- Hendrie.
saued, humblie acknowledging his sinne in following the late Marquis of
Huntly in his rebellious courses ; he neuer having compeired till this day
to shew any dislyk of his former vayes, vas continowed till ane vther day.

According to the referr of the Provinciall Assemblie, the bretheren Ordinance
ordained to search for these fugitiues : William Grant, suspect to be ane p^'?'?'
warlocke, fled out of Belly ; Johne Gray, fled from Riven; George Suther-
land and Annas Keyth, cohabitantis in adulterie, fled from Duffus ; Elspet
Shand, fled from Germouth ; and also to intimat the excoramunicatioun of
Alexander M'Intosch, in the Presbitry of Inuernes, for rap and murther ;
James Reah and Margaret Smith, wagaboundis adultereris ; Normand
Duncan, for bestialitie, in the parish of Ruthen.

Mr. Johne Reidfurd ordained to preach at Kynnoir the nixt Lordis day Reidfurd,
after Mr. William Jamesone had preached ther, and requyre the parishon-
eris, if they had any thing to object vhy Mr. William Jamesone sould not
be ther minister, to compeir the nixt day of meetting, fourth December.

Botarie, 4th December, 1650.

Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported he had preached at Kynnoir, and resaued Kynnoir.

Johne Hamiltoun, as he vas formerlie ordained ; and also had publictlie

requyred all that had any thing to object (against Mr. William Jamesone

vhy he might not be ther minister, having now frequcntlie hard him, and

162

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1650.

Gordon in
Avachie.

Jamesone.

Intimatioun
made of ex-
communicat
personis.

(jordon of
Floores.

shew them also that the said Mr. William had preached befor the commis-
sion of the province at Elgin, the first Tysday of November last, vith appro-
batioun, as his testiraonie vnder the clerk his hand did manifest,) to
compeir this day and declaire the same. The saidis parishoneris being
called, nane compeired saue one Alexander Hendrie, (vho had no commis-
sion from the rest, but vas come ane supplicant,) vho declared the gentle-
men of the parish ver in Aberdein vith ther souldioris at the randevouz ;
quhervpon the bretheren, to mak them yet more inexcusable, ordained them
to be cited againe to the nixt meeting at Rothemay, eighteenth December ;
vith certificatioun, if they compeired not, the presbytry void proceid to the
admissione of the said Mr. William ; and -this to be done be the presbytry
ther officiar.

William Gordon in Avachie having bein summondit for professed poprie,
called, not compeiring, ordained to be summondit pro 2"-

Mr. William Jamesone reported he had preached at Kynnoir, as he vas
ordained be Synod and Presbytrie.

Mr. William Kyninmont produced ane answer to Mr. Androw Cant his
letter concerning Mr. Robert Watson, quhilk being red, vas ordained to be
sent to him vith the first occasion.

The bretheren reported they had intimat the excommunicatioun of thes
persones : Alexander M'Intosh, in the Presbytry of Invernes, for rapt and
murther, excommunicat ; James Reah and Margaret Smith, vagaboundis
adultereris ; Normand Duncan, for bestialitie, in the parish of Ruthen ;
and also had searched, and ver further to search, for such fugitives as for-
merlie they ver ordained, but found nane of them vithin ther congregationis.
• Mr. James Gordon reported he had preached at Grange, but had not
proceidit vith the goodvyf of Floores hir processe, inrespect of hir per-
sonall compearance the said day, and giuing assurance to keep this day,
and giue the presbytry satisfactioun ; vho accordinglie compeired, and
being suorne on hir gryt oath to declaire quhat shoe knew of ane bairne
alledgit to be borne by the Lady Altar to Nathaniel Gordon, deponed
shoe knev nothing but quhat shoe hard be report. Being posed if shoe
vas present at the birth of that child, supposed to haue bein in Glengarak,
or if shoe hard it of them that vas present, deponed not. Being posed
quhat shoe knew of that bairne sent from Glengarak to Blearfindie, quher-
vnto it vas thoght shoe vas accessorie, deponed shoe knew nothing, but
hard a report therof, as wtheris did. Being posed if the said Lady Altar

1650.] THEJPRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 163

had said euer to hir shoe vas vith such child, answered not, they wsed not
such discourse. All this shoe deponed soraquhat haesitanter et quasi cum
lucta, and did quhat shoe could to mak hir answeris dubious somtymes.

Also, the said Mr. James Gordon, having holden session at Grange, Gillen.
reported he had enquyred vho gaue ane call to Mr. William Gillen to
preach ther, quhilk they all denyed ; quhervpon he had desyred the elderis
to search if they could learne of any among them vho had giuen any invi-
tatioun to the said Mr. William, and keep this presbyteriall dyet, and
report ther diligence heiranent, vho being called, compeired Alexander
Gray and Adam Richartsone, elderis, and being asked vho gaue ane call
to Mr. William Gillen to preach in ther kirk, answered, they knew nane ;
but all they could learne of the said busines vas, that one Adam Rudduh,
on of ther number, having bein in Bamf, quher occasionallie he meettis
vith the said Gillen, and ther, among vther discourses, the said Mr. William
sould say to Adam Rudduh, I hear your kirk of Grange is now wacand,
and, if I knew your people void giue me intertainment for a tyme, I void
come and preach to them. And the said Adam sould answer, he hoped
no man void refuse for such paines, and if he came, for himself, he sould
giue him ane part of such as he had, and this vas all the invitatiune he
gote. Also, they declared he had baptized four bairnes, and maried
George Cowplen and Christan Browster, William Crukshank and Iso-
bell Edvard. The saidis personis ordained to be summondit to the nixt
day.

Compeired James Duncan in Keyth, and confessed trelaps in fornica- Duncan,
tioun vith Margaret Mill, and also cohabiting vith hir in tyme of the
vacancie of ther kirk. Ordained to satisfie, in sackcloth, euer till he gaue
such evidences of his repentance as the congregation reported they ver
satisfied.

The said day, ane letter produced from the Presbytry of Turreff,
shewing the people of the annexed landis of Abercherdour to Forglin vill
not acknowledge themselfs to be memberis of the parish of Forglin,
quherby discipline is interrupted, and vtheris Godis ordinances are ren-
dered vnprofitable among them ; and so requyred the presbytrie by ane act
to discharge that people from being receaued at the kirk of Abercherdour,
as members therof, and to ordaine the same to be publictlie intimat, the
nixt Lordis day, be the minister at Abercherdour ; quhervnto Mr. Johne

164

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1650.

Hendrie.

Gordon ot
Beldorny.

Gordon ot
Carmellit.

Reidfurd answered, he had done als much befor as they now requyred.
Notvithstanding, he vas ordained to renew the said intimatioun, reseruing
this condition, he be not deteriorat in his stipend.

Compeired Alexander Hendrie in Kynnoir, and gaue in his suppU-
catioun to be resaued to the subscription of the League and Covenant, hura-
blie acknowledging that too willinglie he had followed the sinfull and
wicked courses of the enimies of God against the Covenant, acknowledging
his presence at diveris ther bloodie battellis, and so by vord and vreit
manifested his unfained sorow for his former rebellious courses ; quhilk the
bretheren taking to their consideratioun, ordained him to mak his repent-
ance in sackcloth, according to the ordour in their owne kirk of Kynnoir,
the first Lordis day that ane minister happinis to be present, and presently
he subscry ved the band made theranent.

Compeired Johne Gordon, appearand of Beldornie, to quhom Mr.
Johne Reidfurd vas sent a parte for conference and dealling vith him for
a confession of that alledgit incest and adulterie vith Christian Gordon, his
fatheris sister, vt supra, vho reported he could find no confession from him.
The young man being called in and presbyteriallie delt vith anent the said
particular, void confesse nothing. Ordained to goe and conferr vith
Mr. William Kinninmont, and vith Mr. George Meldrum his minister, and
they to report the nixt day.

Anent the former referr for processing all papistis vithin boundis of the
presbytery, Mr. Robert Jamesone reported he had summondit Alexander
Gordon and Christan Gordon, children to Robert Gordon in Carmellit,
Agnes Jirret, spous to Adam Panton ; called, not corapeiring, ordained to
be summondit 7? ro 2"-

The said day vas produced ane copie of ane letter from the Com-
missioneris of the Generall Assemblie, of the dait at Stirling, twenty-third
October, 1650, shewing the lamentable conditioun of our pure bretheren
now prisoneris in England, dying and pining avay for vant of wictuallis,
etc., and so requyring a contributioun to be collected for ther supplie;
quhilk vas seriously recommendit to euerie brother to vse ther diligence
therin, and report.

Also vas produced ane varning from the Commissioneris of the Generall
Assemblie against malignantis latly in armes. Ordained to be red in
the seuerall kirkis of the presbytry the nixt Lordis day.

1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 165

Att Rothemay, 18th December, 1650.

The quhilk day, after incalling the name of God, conveined the mode-
rator and remanent bretheren. Mr. William Kininmont taught, 2d Kings,
5, V. 12, 13.

The said day having been appoynted for wisitatioun of the kirk of Visitatioun of
Rothemay, by ordinance from the Commission of the Provinciall As- Ro^hemaj'.
sembhe, at Elgin, the first Tysday of November last, the minister, Mr.
James Gordon, being remoued, and the elderis, viz., James Gordon
of Rothemay ; George Abernethie of Auchinclech ; George Abernathie
of Claymyr ; Johne Fordyce of Auchinheiv ; Johne Watt in Wood-
fauld ; Johne Gray in Coldhame ; Johne Layng in [ ] ; William
Lemman in Inchcorsie ; George Sharp in Turterie ; Robert Sharp in
Corskeuie ; Johne Fordyce in [ ] ; William Ruddah in Reid-

hill ; James Lorimer in Milton ; Thomas Henrison in Knachlee ; being
all solemnlie suorne, vpon ther gryt oath, to declare in the particularis
they sould be posed anent ther minister, vho being remoued, and called
vpon seuerallie, as followes : 1 . The Laird of Rothemay being posed
how the minister caried in his hous, if he had familie worship, if he
resett scandellous personis ; in all quhich he gaue hime ane good tes-
timonie. 2. Being asked how oft he preached on the Lordis day ; an-
swered, tuyse, till the short day. 3. Being posed if he preached against
the corruptiouns of the tymes, and spoke home, to the capacitie of all
his heireris, against malignantis and sectaries ; deponed, affirmatiue.
4. Being posed if he celebrat the holie communion decentlie, according
to the ordour of the Kirk of Scotland, and debarred ignorant and scan-
dellous persones ; deponed, affirmatiue. 5. Being posed if he pressed
familie worship publictlie and privatlie, and vas faithfull in exercise of
discipline ; deponed, affirmando. 6. Being posed if he was scandellous
in his lyf or conversatioun, if he vas a suerar, or conversit frequently with
malignants ; answered, not. And being particularlie asked if he conversit
vith Patrik Gordon, alias Steilhand ; deponed, in tyme of the troubles,
the said Patrik came suratyme to the minister his hous, but knew not if
the minister spoke vith him ; but, since the forty-seven yeir of God, he
neuer knew him to haue come to his hous. Being posed if his mother,
the old lady, did communicat, and how long shoe had bein the parish ;
deponed, that shoe did not communicat, and that shoe had bein heir two
or thrie yeiris since shoe came from BamfF; quhervpon Mr. Robert Jame-

16G THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650.

sone and Mr. John Chalmer ver ordained to speak hir anent her commu-
nicating, and exhort hir to more frequent keeping the kirk in the winter
season. Being asked if his owne lady keeped the kirk, and communicat ;
answered, shoe vas ane constant heirer, and for hir communicating, desyred
some of the bretheren to goe speak her, (being presentlie in the minister
his hous,) and report hir owne answer theranent. Quhervpon Mr. Johne
Reidfurd vas presentlie direct to hir for that effect, vho, after his returne,
reported that shoe said it vas knowen shoe vas ane constant heirer, and had
neuer bein heir in tyme of the communion but tuyse, the first tyme quherof
vas immediatlie befor hir childbirth, and the second vas immediatlie after
the death of hir oldest brother, quhilk made her indisposed for the tyme,
and that shoe was willing to communicat the first occasion. Being asked
if the minister had ane weiklie lecture, and quhen he baptized the
children ; answered, he had ane day of the week for catechising, on quhilk
day also he baptised, (as occasion offerred,) as he did publictlie on the
Lordis day. Being asked if the League and Covenant vas publictlie sub-
scryved be the congregatioun, and if he himself did it publictlie, and the
rest of the gentlemen vithin the parish ; answeret, it vas done publictly,
and himself subscryued it publictlie, but knew not if all did so, himself
being absent befor all the subscriptionis ver gotten. Being asked if his
owne sister had satisfied for hir fornicatioune, and quhat vas the minister
his part therin ; answered, Mr. Alexander Innes vas minister at the tyme
of hir fall ; that shoe declared the fault to haue been committed in Ordifull,
and that he hard the said Mr. Alexander had wretten to the minister at
Ordifull, showing so much, but hard it neuer delate to ther session of
Rothemay. Being asked if he had communicat himself; answered, he
was in Edinburgh at the tyme of celebratioun therof, and vas willing to
communicat at the first occasion.

The Laird of Rothemay remowed, and George Abernethie of Achinclech
called, and being posed of the selfsame particularis concerning the minister
his doctrine and discipline, preaching for the caus and against the cor-
ruptionis of the tymes, deponed conforme to the Laird of Rothemay,
vt supra. Being posed if all the gentlemen of the parish subscryued the
League and Covenant publictlie, and if Walter Hacket of Meyen did sub-
scry v it publictly; deponed, all did it publictly, but he saw not Walter
Hacket doe it in the publict congregation, he not being in the parish 1648,
quhen it vas done in the publict be all. Being asked if the young lady vas

1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 167

ane constant heirer of the' word ; deponed, afirmatiue. Being asked if
Rothemay his sister had satisfied hir fornicatioune, and quhat the minister
his part was in that busines ; deponed, he knew not if shoe had satisfied, the
fault having been committed in Mr. Alexander Innes his tyme, and that
he heard neuer any delatioun of it to ther session. Being asked if the
Laird of Rothemay communicat or not, or if he vas at home in tyme of
celebratioun of the sacrament of the Lordis Supper ; deponed, he saw him
not communicat, and so farr as he rememberis, he vas not at home quhen it
vas last celebrat. Being asked how long the old lady had bein in the
parish together ; answered, three yeiris or therabout. Being asked if the
Laird mad his publict repentance for subscry ving Harailtonis band ;
answered, affirmatiue. Being asked if the minister conversit frequentlie vith
malignantis, and in particular vith Steilhand ; deponed, negatiue.

Johne Fordyce being called and posed in all the particularis formerlie
proponed concerning the minister his doctrine, lyfe, and conversatioun,
etc., deponed in omnibus vt supra. Being particularlie asked if the
Covenant was publictlie subscryved by the Laird and the rest of the gentle-
men ; deponed, it vas done publictlie be all, 1648, except Walter Hacket,
vho at that tyme vas residing in Bamff", but now had subscryved it eight
or nine weekis since. Being asked if Rothemay his sister had satisfied for
her fornicatione ; answered, he hard nothing of it, the fault having bein
committed in Mr. Alexander Innes his tyme. And being asked how all
this time shoe wes not delait ; answered, immediately after hir fall shoe
went to London, and since her return shoe had very short abode in the
parish. Being asked if the young lady ves ane ordinare heirer, and if
the Laird made his publict repentance for subscryving Hamiltonis band ;
in both deponed affirmatiue.

George Abernethie of Claymiris being called and posed in omnibus vt
supra the rest, deponed conforme. Being particularlie posed of all ther
gentlemen, if the Laird and Walter Hacket had publictlie subscryved the
League and Covenant ; deponed, he saw all doe it publictlie except Walter
Hacket. Being asked if the Laird made his publict repentance for sub-
scryving Hamiltonis band ; deponed, affirmatiue. Being asked if the
minister conversit frequently vith Steilhand ; answered, he never saw it.
Concerning the old and young ladies, deponed conforme to the rest.

All the rest of the elderis being called and posed on everie one of the
former particularis, all in one voyce deponed vt supra. Anent the gentle-

168 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650.

men their publict subscription of the Covenant, they deponed it vas done
publictly be all, except Walter Hacket, vho did it befor the session ; and
anent the Lairdis sister hir fornicatioun, they deponed the fault was in
Mr. Alexander Innes his tyrae, and ther vas neuer any delatioun of it ; and
being asked vhy they did not delait the same, answered, ther vas nane
of them elderis at that tyme except George Sharp, vho gaue the reason
he did not delait her becaus shoe residit not in this quarter, and he hard
the fault vas committed in Ordifull. All the elderis being asked if they
wold have ther minister admonished in any thing, answered, they void haue
him continow in pressing the old lady for better keeping the kirk in winter
season, and to visit the families and exhort them to familie vorship, quhilk
accordin^lie was done be the moderator.

The elderis remowed, and the minister posed concerning ther fidelitie
in ther office, vho did approue them ; only desyred they sould be ad-
monished to tak particular notice of sueareris and drunkardis, and them-
selfs to be exemplarie in both ; quhilk admonitioun vas grauelie giuen
them be the moderator. The session book having bein visited, Mr. Robert
Jamesone and Mr. George Meldrum reported they fand diligence therin,
and that they fand publict intimatioun of Walter Hacket his subscription
of the League and Covenant befor ther sessioun, quhilk the elderis
acknowledgit ves done. Also, they fand that Margaret Gordon, spous to
Johne Fordyce, had bein ane heirer of the vord about the tyme of the
last visitatioun of the kirk, 1649, but fand no more of hir till now of
late. Also, they fand ane adulterer resaued, upon sixteen or seventeen
Saboths publict repentance, quhilk the elderis declared they desyred to be,
having sein evident signes of his repentance. They fand also some ab-
sentis from the kirk excusit, and no cause of ther excuse expressit. The
minister ordained to look to the formalitie of his book better, in tyme
comming.

The bretheren reported, they ver going about the collecting of the
contributioun for the puire prisoneris. Ordained to bring ther seuerall
diligence the nixt day, and the moderator desyred to ask the commission of
the province ther advyse for transporting of the same.
Kynnoir. The people of Kynnoir not having bein cited to this day as formerlie,

concludit therfor the bretheren ordained Mr. Johne Chalmer to preach the
nixt Lordis day at Kynnoir, and require them yet once more to compeir
befor the presbytrie fifteenth Januarij, if they had any thing to object

1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 169

against Mr. William Jamesone his being ther minister ; and appointed the
said Mr. William to preach at Dumbennand.

The night being come, the rest of the presbytry thir processis continowed
till the nixt day, fifteenth Januarij, quher Mr. William Kinninmont exer-
cises and Mr. Johne Innes addis.

Att Botarie, 15th January, 1651.

After incalling the name of God, conveined the moderator and remanent
bretheren. Absent, Mr. Johne Reidfurd, Mr. Robert Irving. Mr.
William Kininmont exercised, 1st Cor. 4, v. 6. Vas approuen. No addi-
tion, inrespect of Mr. Johne Innes his absence, vho vas yet againe or-
dained to add, and Mr. Robert Jamesone to exercise the nixt day of
meetting at the presbyteriall seat, and to answer for this dayes absence.

The said day, Isobell Leslie in Gartly, being summondit for not Leslie,
keeping the publict worship, in heiring the word, communicating, etc.,
called; not compeiring, ordained to be summondit pro 2°-

Ther having come to the moderator his handis ane letter from the
Commission of the Kirk, showing that they had appoynted a solemne fast
and humiliatioune to be keeped in all the congregatiouns of this Kirk,
vpon the twenty-second day of December, being the Lordis day, for the
contempt of the gospell branched out in the severall partis therof ; also,
appoynting Thursday, twenty-sixth December, for a solemne fast and
humiliatioune for the sinis of the Kings familie and court, causes heirof
heirvith sent, together also vith ther sense of the remonstrance of the Fast keeped.
gentlemen officereris and ministeris attending the forces in the west ; as
also, ther resolutioune concerning thes that wer accessorie to the lait
rebellion in the north. Quhilk letter and paperis having come from hand
to hand among the bretheren, they have accordinglie made vse oif and
keeped the forsaidis fastis the first convenient dayes they could most con-
venienthe, the appoynted dyettis being expyred befor the causes therof
came to ther handis.

The Laird of Rothemay ordained to be summondit to the nixt day, to Rothemay.
be censured for his accidental slaughteris.

Compeircd Johne Milne in Keyth, and having stand twenty-five Milne.
Saboths, in sackcloth, for his adulterie, in quhom the congregatioun haue
sein signes of repentance, his sinne having been layd to his charge,

Y

170

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1651.

quhervith he seemed to be affected, vas referred back to be absolued befor
ther congregatioun, the nixt Lordis day.

The presbytry hauing resaued ane Act of the Commission of the Kirk,
of the dait Perth, fourteenth December, 1650, against complyeris vith
sectaries, ordained to be intimat in the seuerall kirkis of the presbytry.

Mr. Johne Chalmer reported, he had preached at Kynnoir, as he vas
formerlie ordained, and ther had resaued Alexander Hendrie his repentance,
vt supra ; also, he had requyred the parishoneris to compeir, this day,
befor the presbytry, and giue ther long expected answer anent Mr. Wil-
liam Jamesone, nominat to be ther minister, vho being called, nane as

Kynnoir. yet compeires. Quhervpon the bretheren, after mature deliberatioun,

resolued to keep the nixt meetting at Kynnoir, twenty-ninth of this
instant, that ther they might get ther seuerall answeris, eyther of approuing
or not approuing the said Mr. William, nominat to be ther minister ; and
appoyntis Mr. James Gordon to direct ther officiar to them all, domatim,
and acquant them of the said object, that nane sould pretend ignorance,
and requyre them all to keep sermon ther the said day. Mr. George Mel-
drum appoynted to preach the said day.

Botruphnie. Mr. Robert Jamesone ordained to goe preach at Botruphnie on the nixt

Lordis day, and hold session ther ; also, to request the parishoneris to
mak payment to Mr. Alexander Fraser, ther late minister, of the vacand
stipend of the said kirk, 1650, the one-half quherof vas serued for be the
said Mr. Alexander, and the vther half the presbytry conferred it upon
him also.

Att Kynnoir, 29th Januarij, 1651.

Conveined the moderator and bretheren, after incalling the name of
God. Absent, Mr. Kobert Irving.

Mr. George Meldrum taught 2 Thess. 1, v. 6, 7.

Mr. Johne Reidfurd excused his former dayes absence.

The congregatioun being frequentlie conveined, ver desyred to stay till
they ver called vpon, and the gentlemen and honest men ver called seuer-
allie and questioned as followes, viz. : Johne Gordon of Avachie, and
being posed if he had any thing to object against Mr. William Jamesone
his lyf, conversatioun, and doctrine, or if he knew any thing that might
imped the said Mr. William from being ther minister ; answered, he knew

1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 171

nothing but good to him in his lyf and conversatioun, nether could he
object any thing against his doctrine, only he thoght him too young for
thes tuo congregations.

Johne Hamilton in Corse called, and posed conforme concerning his
doctrine, lyf, and conversatioun, or if he knew any thing vhy the said Mr.
William might not to be ther minister ; answered, he knew nothing but good
to his doctrine, lyfe, and conversatioun, and for ought he knew he might
serue ane better congregatioun then theris.

Compeired William Murray of Achmull, and being posed in the same
termes as the former tuo ; answered, he knew nothing but good of the young
man, eyther in doctrine, lyf, or conversatioun, only he void haue a man of
more experience, the charge being gryt, and the people vnruly.

Alexander Murray in Achinbo, posed sicut antea ; answered, he knew
nothing against his doctrine, lyf, and conversatioun, but vas villing to tak
him for ther minister befor they waked any longer.

William Gordon in Avachie answered conforme to the rest concerning
his doctrine, lyf, and conversatioun, but thoght him not fitt to be ther
minister.

Compeired Thomas Spens in Gibston, vithin the parish of Dumbennand,
and being posed vt supra, gaue him approbatioun in all, and vas most will-
ing to embrace him as ther minister.

Alexander Hendrie in Afflect gaue him approbatioun in doctrine, lyf,
and conversatioun, and vas willing to embrace him to be ther minister.

Johne Browne answered, he knew nothing but good to the young man,
and vas content for his part (if the rest of the parish ver so content) to
embrace him for ther minister.

George Mitchell in Afflect answered, he knew nothing but good to the
young man, and vas content of him, for his part, if they could not get ane
man of better and more experience.

Johne Gordon in Afflect answered, he vas content for his part, befor
they walked any longer.

Johne Hamilton, elder, Johne Wilson, answered, they knew nothing but
good to the young man, and ver content to embrace him to be ther minister,
for they thoght they vanted too long.

After the elderis ver thus seucrallie called in, and asked if they knew any
thing against Mr. William Jamesone his doctrine, lyf, and conversatioun,
and if they ver content to embrace him for ther minister, answered, they

172 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651.

knew nothing against him, but thoght they had vanted too long, and for
ther partis ver willing he sould be ther minister.

The gentlemen and elderis being againe called in, the moderator shew
them that the most part of the elderis and people ver willing to embrace
the said Mr. William to be ther minister, and nane at all had any thing to
object against him, quhilk was ground sufficient for the presbytry to pro-
ceid to his admissione ; and therfor exhorted them to giue the young man
ane loving invitatioune for his better incouragment to the work, who
answered they could not do that, inrespect ther cheif and master vas not
content, and if he wer satisfied, they sould rest content vith the man ; and
in token of his dislyk, they produced ane letter from him, quhilk, after
deliberatioune, vas publictlie red in the presbytrie, quherin he desyres the
presbytrie not to be hastie in planting the saidis kirkis vith Mr. William
Jamesone, quhom he said he hard vas novayes able for that charge ; and
seing he vas in fair vay to be resaued into the church againe, desyred
continowatioun for a tyme, till he sould be relaxed from his excommunica-
tioun, that he might concurr vith the presbytrie in the plantatioun of the
saidis kirkis vith ane able and qualified man. Quhill the bretheren ver
taking the business to ther consideratioun, Mr. George Chalmer regraited
how the said Lues Gordon had inhibited his parishoneris to giue him any
stipend, and had send some threattning wordis to him for having care to
plant his kirk, and the kirk of Gartly, according to the Act of Parliament,
in March last ; and so seing he could haue no stipend, desyred the bre-
theren to grant him ane act of transplantatioun. The presbytry, vpon both
thes consideratiouns, thoght meet to giue commission to the said Mr.
George to goe and speak the said Lues Gordon anent his owne stipend,
as also anent the plantatioun of the kirk of Kynnoir vith Mr. William
Jamesone, and declare to him rem gestam, and report his answer the nixt
day. Quhilk commission being giuen to the said Mr. George, he promised
to goe about it, howsoone he hard he vas in the countrey.
Crukshank. Compeired William Crukshank and Isobell Edvard in Grange, and

Edvard. being accused for seiking and taking the benefit of mariage from one Mr.

William Gillen, not knowen to be ane minister, answered, vtheris had
done the lyk, and they knew nothing but he had bein ane minister, he
having baptised bairnes in ther parish, and maried vtheris too. The pairtes
ver ordained to separat till the presbytrie be better advysed against the
nixt day.

1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 173

Mr. Robert Jamesone reported he had preached at Botruphnie and Clark,
holden session, quher he found many delinquentis, and had cited to this day "*^^''-
William Clark and Margaret Fraser, relaps in fornicatioun, and cohabiting
therin ; vho compeired, confessit ther fault ; ordained to separat qiiam
primum^ and suramondit apud acta to keep the nixt day of meetting. The
said day, ane letter from the Commission of the Kirk, vith ane act anent
complyeris vith sectaries, to be intimat, quhilk ves accordinglie ordained to
be done the nixt Lordis day.

Botarie, 12th February, 1651.

After incalling the name of God, conveined the moderator and remanent
bretheren. Absent, Mr. Johne Chalmer. Mr. Robert Irving excused for
his former absens.

Mr. Robert Jamesone exercised, 1st Cor. 4, v. 7. Mr. Johne Innes,
scoolmaster at Abercherdour, addit. Ther travaillis approuen.

Compeired William Gordon in Avachie, and being posed vhy he fre- Gordon in
quented not Godis publict worship, and communicated not, answered, he ^^''^™'^-
vas not of our profession, but vas ane Roman Catholic, vho vas brought vp
in the hous of Huntly in the popish religion. Being desyred to conforme
himself to the reformed religion of the Kirk of Scotland, answered, he
could not at the first till better informatioun ; iquhervpon he was ordained
to conferr with Mr. James Gordon, and heir the vord, and Mr. James to
report, vthervayes the censures of the kirk to proceid against him.

Compeired William Crukshank and Isobell Edvard in Grange, maried Crukskank.
by ane pretendit minister, and having seperat as they ver formerlie ordained, ^'^vard.
vho ver desyred to continow so till the presbytrie advysed vith the Assem-
blie quhat course sbuld be taken vith them, and vtheris of that kynd in the
said parish, and with children baptised by the said pretendit minister ; all
quhich referred to the Provincial! Assemblie.

Compeired William Clark in Botruphnie, and confessed his relaps in Clark,
fornicatioun, and cohabiting in fornicatioun vith Margaret Fraser. Or-
dained to separat vnder pain of excoramunicatioun, and to satisfie as ane
adulterer, and to begin his publict repentance quheneuer ther come ane
minister to preach at ther kirk.

Compeired Margaret Fraser, and confessit relaps in fornicatioun, and Phraser,
also adulterle vith ane Johne Robertsone, then in Boig ; ordained to sa-
tisfie in sackcloth three quarteris of ane yeir.

174

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1651.

Anderson.

Fraser.

The bretheren reported, they had all made publict intiraatioun of the
Act of the Commission of the Kirk, anent complyers vith sectaries.

Anent the sixth referr from the Provinciall Assemblie, the bretheren
reported, they knew no judges in their boundis vho haue sett malefactouris
free, vithout doing of justice.

For the seventh referr, concerning masteris who, in levies, mantenance,
etc., layes the vhol burden vpon poor tennantis, the bretheren ver looking
to it, and ordained to preach against all kind of oppression.

Anent the eighth, ninth, and tenth referris, the bretheren ver carefull of
putting them in execution.

Touching the twelfth referr, for doeing dutie in susteining ane Irish
boy at the scoole, the bretheren declared ther inabilitie for the same, ther
parishes being brought to such povertie that they cannot get so much as
sustein themselfs ; and some, for vant of mantenance, ver seiking trans-
plantatioun.

The eleventh referr, concerning those who takis or giues oaths of in-
demnitie for witchcraft, the bretheren hard of none vithin ther boundis
saue some practises for that kynd vithin Botruphnie, quher they hard
Johne Anderson of Westertoun vas present. The said Johne ordained to
be summondit the nixt day.

The said day, Mr. Robert Watsone being present, vas demandit how he
spent the Lordis [day], quhen ther vas no sermon at Grange ; answered,
he went sumtymes to Ordifull, and in the winter season, quherin his
familie hes bein visited vith sicknes, he stayed at home vith them.

The said day, compeired Mr. Alexander Fraser, late minister at Bo-
truphnie, and gaue in his supplicatioun, seriouslie acknowledging, and vith
deip greif ingenowslie confessing, his manifold faultis and enormities, com-
mitted be him in the tyme of his ministrie, for quhich he was justlie
deposed ; and being referred, be the commission of the province, at Elgin,
November sixth, to the presbytrie, for evidencing his repentance, quherof
he gaue signes to the gryt contentment of the bretheren, Mr. William
Kinninmont vas ordained to preach at Botruphnie the nixt Lordis day,
and resaue the said Mr. Alexander Fraser his repentance before the
conerreffatioun.

Att Botarie, 5th Martii, 1651.
After incalling the name of God, conveined the moderator and bre-

1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 175

theren. Mr. Jone Chalmer excused his former dayes absence, being then
in the highland.

Mr. George Chalmer handled the controuersie, De perspicuitate Scrip-
turae. His travailis approuen.

The said day, Mr. George Chalmer reported, he had spoken Lues Kynnoir.
Gordon, according to his former commission, vho answered him anent his
stipend, he had inhibited to giue him any augmentatioun of his stipend, and
wold not grant he sould haue more then formerlie he vas provydit too.
And for the plantatioun of Kynnoir vith Mr. William Jamesone, all the
steps of the presbytrie their procedour having bein showen to him, an-
swered, he vas now on his journey to Aberdein to be relaxed from his
excommunicatioun, and, at his returne, promised to heir the said Mr.
William preach, of quhom finding content, he sould be so farre from im-
peding, that he sould giue him ane invitatioune and call from the people
also. After quhich report, the said Mr. William himself was asked quhat
he thought of the busines, if he void be content the presbytrie sould
proceid to his admission presentlie, or if he void stay on ane further call
from the people, vho in gryt modestie declared his inabilitie for such a
charge, having no encouragment from the people ; but as from the begin-
ing he hes bein a meir patient, humblie submitting himself to the presbytry
in all that euer they enjoyned him, so as yet he referred the disposing
of himself to the arbitriment of the bretheren. Vpon mature delibera-
tioun of the busines, the presbytry thoght expedient (for the young man
his better encouragment) in getting consent of all the matter concernis, to
continow till they sould sie if the said Lues Gordon sould be relaxed, that
he might heir him preach, as he promised, and that the bretheren might
more freelie speak vith him in that busines, and quhat vther any of ther
number had to represent to them in the mater of their stipendis.

The Laird of Rothemay being summondit, vt supra, compeired not, but Rothemay.
sent ane letter acknowledging his summondis ; but, being a colonell in the
shyre, vas necessitat to be in Aberdein, for keeping the randivouz for
resauing his men ; quhilk the bretheren knowing to be of treuth, did con-
tinow his censure till the nixt day, quhilk he promised to keep vpon
aduertisment, and Mr. James Gordon appoynted to cite him therto.

Mr. James Gordon reported, that William Gordon had hard one sermon Gordon in
at his kirk, but had not come for conference as yet. He and the Master Avachie.

176 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651.

Johne Gordon of Avachie ordained to be summondit to the nixt day be
the officiar of Rotheraay.

Leslie. Isobell Leslie in Gartly, being summondit, vt supra, pro 2°-, called,

not compeiring, ordained to be summondit pro S'"-

The said day, compeired Mr. Alexander Innes, and presented ane refer-
ence from the Commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie, of the dait at
Perth, thirteenth Februarii, 1651, to the Presbytrie of Strathbogie, giuing
full power to them to relax the said Mr. Alexander from his excommunica-
tioun, vpon sufficient evidence of his repentance for the sins for quhich he
vas excommunicat ; vpon sight quherof, the moderator layed to his charge
(as frequentlie had bein done befor) the sinis for quhich he vas lying vnder
so heavie a sentence, quhilk he humblie acknowledgit, and seimed to be
weighted therwith, and acknowledgit the equitie of the sentence lying
heavie vpon him, and euerie vay expressit his deep sorow and humiliatioun
for thes sinis for quhich he vas excommunicat. Quhich evidences of repent-
ance, together vith quhat formerlie they had sein in him, vas thoght suffi-
cient ground to enter him to his repentance, and so vas ordained to goe the
nixt Lordis day to the kirk of Abercherdour, and ther begin his publict re-
pentance in sackcloth, and Mr. Johne Reidfurd to report quhat signes of
repentance he fand in him befor the congregatioun.

Straquhan. The said day, Mr. James Gordon reported he had made inquirie anent

Janet Straquhan hir bairne in Rothemay, and had cited befor them such
persones as they could learne knew most of the said child. And, first,
Janet Farquhar being posed, on hir oath, quhat shoe knew of that bairne
borne be Janet Straquhan in Glass, suspectit to haue bein broght furth in
hir hous ; deponed, that the said Janet Straquhan did come to hir hous
about the tyme of the fight of Alfurd, and did leave a maide child in hir
hous ; and about ten or twelve dayes therafter, the said Janet Straquhan said
to hir the child was to one James Irving. 3. Confessed that the said Janet
returned some four weekis after hir departure, and mowed on Christan
Reid, ane poor women, to foster the child. 4. That shoe saw the child
dye at Mertimes therafter in Christan Reidis hous ; Johne Litlejohne, hus-
band to the said Christan Reid, and Margaret Litlejohne, witnessis to the
death. 5. The said Janet said to them, at hir returne, that the child vas
baptized at Strathbogie. Also, that Christan Reid had compeired befor
them, and confessed all the former declaratioune of Janet Farquhar and

1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 177

diveris vtheris witnessis vho vas present at the buriall of the bairne ; and
being all questioned how they had all concurred to conceale the birth and
buriall of such ane childe, did answer, it vas not concealed but knoven to
many, but, being in tyme of the warre, it vas not taken notice off, no elder
being at that tyme in that quarter of the parish.

The said day vas presented ane supplicatioune from Mr. James Ken- Kennedye.
nedye, showing he had laitUe supplicated the Commissione of the Kirk, at
Perth, in all humilitie, to be relaxed from that dreadfull sentence of excom-
municatioun, so justlie inflicted on him, for his accessione to that wnlawfull
rebellione stirred vp by the laite Marques of Huntly and his complices, in
the yeir 1644 or therby ; quhilk supplicatioun having bein considered by
the Commissione of the Kirk, by ther ordinance, fourteenth February last,
they did referr him to the Presbytrie of Strathbogie to conferre, vt supra^
and to labour to bring him to some sense of his guiltinesse, and to report
the result of their labouris, as the supplicatioune and reference therwith
producit beares, and so, humblie supplicated the presbytry to grant him the
benefit of the said reference, by giuing him audience and conference, that
they might report the result of ther travaillis accordinglie. After reiding
and considering therof, the said Mr. James vas called vpon, and au-
dience granted to him. The moderator posed him quhat moued him thus
to supplicat for his relaxatioun at this tyme, having so long neglected
it. Answered, no worldlie respect, but only the weight of that sen-
tence quherby he vas affected ; nay ther had he altogether neglected his
dutie in this kynd, having formerlie supplicat the presbytrie and Commis-
sion of the Kirk. Aftervard laying it to his charge his haynous sinis, and
some particular vicked courses committed by him in tyme of his rebellione,
that had brought him now wnder so heavie a sentence, desyred him to ex-
presse himself quhat he thoght of those sinis, and of the equitie of that
sentence, and of his present conditione, standing at such ane distance vith
the church ; answered, he humblie acknowledgit his former rebellious
courses to be great sinis, and that the sentence of excommunicatioun most
justlie vas inflicted for the same ; and if his tongue could express in publict
quhat invard greif of heart he had for these sinnes, he hoped the bretheren
wold compassionat his present condition. Quhervpon, that he might be
brought to ane farther sense of his erroris, the presbytrie appoynted ane
particular dyet for conferrence vith him, and ordained Mr. William Kin-
ninmont, moderator ; Mr. Johne Reidfurd, minister at Abercherdour : Mr.

z

178

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1651.

Rothemay.

Kynnoir.

Gordon.
Thomsone.

IniK

George Meldrum, minister at Glas ; vith Mr. James Gordon, to meet vith
him at Rothemay, tenth Martii, to conferr vith him in the forsaid particular,
and to report quhat they fand in him.

Botarie, 19th Martii, 1651.

Compeired the Laird of Rothemay, and humblie acknowledgit his deip
sorow for his tuo accidental! slaughteris, vho now being on expeditioun to
march vith his regiment, vas ordained to mak his publict repentance, in
sackcloth, the nixt Lordis day, in the kirk of Rothemay ; and Mr. Robert
Jamesone appoynted to preach the said day, and resaue him.

The plantatioun of Kynnoir continowed vpon the former groundis, and
Lues Gordon being now in the south, vho promised to heir the young man
preach, and therafter concurr vith the presbytry in the said busines, as
he sould find contentment.

Hew Gordon and Isobell Thomsone in Botarie being summondit for
continowall absens from Godis publict worship, called, not compeiring,
ordained to be summondit pro 2°-

Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported, that Mr. Alexander Innes had begun
his repentance, in sackcloth, in Abercherdour, as formerlie he vas or-
dained, quher he gaue such evidence of his repentance for the sines for
quhich he is excommunicat, as they ver layed to his charge, that, vith
many teares, he acknowledgit the hainousnes of these sinis that had
brought him vnder so heavie a sentence, quhilk he confessed vas most
justlie inflicted vpon him, and so caried himself in such ane penitent vay
as the vhole congregation ver mowed to shed teares for him. Also, vas
presented ane letter from the said Mr. Alexander, shewing his inabilitie to
keep this day to resaue further censure, being so veakned in body that he
sensiblie perceaued death following him vith so swift a pace, that he layed
his accompt quicklie to be ouertaken by it, and shewing that, of all greifes
and disconfortis, that void be the grytest to end his sinfull dayes out of
the churches peace, and so humblie supplicated the presbytry to hastin
his receaving into the bosome of the church againe, fearing death to
prevent him. Quhilk report and letter, the bretheren taking to ther con-
sideratioun, thoght meet to resaue him the nixt Lordis day, and so
ordained him to compeir at Abercherdour the said day, in sackcloth, as
befor, and ther, vpon further manifestatioun of his wnfained sorow for such
sinis as he vas excommunicated for, appoynted Mr. Johne Reidfurd to

1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 179

relax him from the said sentence, and imraediatly therafter resaue his sub-
scriptioun to the League and Covenant.

Mr. Johne Chalmer reported, he had preached at Botruphnie, as he Fraser.
vas ordained, and also had resaued Mr. Alexander Fraser his repentance
for these enormities for quhich he vas deposed, quhilk he ingenowuslie
confessed befor the congregatioun, as also the equitie of that sentence of
depravatioun pronunced justlie against him, and so seimed euerie vay
veiffhted vith his sinne.

The commissioneris formerlie nominat to conferr vith Mr. James Ken- Kennedye.
nedye reported, accordinglie they mett the day and place forsaid, quher
at lenth they had layed to his charge his former haynous sinis and rebel-
lious courses, for quhilk he vas excommunicat, as also, so farr as they
could call to mynd, diueris particular wickednessis and enormities at that
tyme committed be him ; all quhich he humblie acknovledgit, and, so farr
as they could judge, he seimed to be weighted vith his sinne. Further,
they demandit of him his judgment anent the Covenant, League and
Covenant, the lait wnlawfull engagement against England, and the religion
presentlie professed ; vho confessed for a long tyme he had ane dislyk of
both the Covenant and League and Covenant, being induced therto by
ane prejudicat opinione and wilfull neglect of the meanis to have bein in-
formed ; but now, being convinced of his error, professed himself so satis-
fied, as he thoght them groundit on the word of God ; also, he esteimed
the last wnlawfull engagement to be most vnlawfull, and contrare to the
Covenant, League and Covenant. And as for the religion presentlie pro-
fessed, he thoght no difference in mater of doctrine from that he vas
educat in, and quhervnto he promised to adheir by professione all the
dayes of his lyf. After quhich report, the said Mr. James compeired
personallie, and judiciallie declared his deip sorow of heart for his former
sinfull courses, and acknowledgit that fearfuU sentence of excommunicatioun
iustlie pronunced against him, and expressed himself fullie in the parti-
cularis mentioned to him at the former conference, conforme to the report
of the bretheren in all poyntis. Further, he vas asked vhey, all this tyme
he vas supplicating to be relaxed, he did not frequent sermonis ; answered,
he void haue done that most willinglie, if he had knowen to haue been
admittit therto ; to quhom it vas showen nane void haue debarred him
from heiring the word, but only from the publict prayeris of the congrega-
tioun, and so he promised to be ane heirer quhereuer he happened to be

180

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1651.

Anderson.

on the Lordis day. The bretheren, taking the matter to ther considera-
tioun, ordamed him to draw vp, vnder his owne hand, ane declaratioun
and confessione of his sinnis and vicked courses, for quhich he vas excom-
municat, and therin also mak answer to these demandis proponed to him
both at the conference and presbyteriallie, and delyuer it to the presbytrie
the nixt day of meetting ; as also, the moderator desyred the bretheren to
search and try quhat they could learne more of the said Mr. James his lyf
and conversatioun, that he might be charged thervith the nixt day of meetting.

Johne Andersone of Westertoun being summondit to this day, vt supra,
compeired not, being in Bamff at the randevous, as vas showen by his
letter. Ordained to be summondit against the nixt day.

The bretheren remowed seuerallie, and seriouslie examined concerning
ther lyf, conversatioun, and cariage in ther callings, ver approven, and
encouraged to goe on in the Lordis work.

IrvinE

Kynnoir and
Diimbennand.

Att Botarie, 16th ApriHs, 1651.

The said day, ane letter produced from Mr. Robert Irving, shewing that
sicknes deteined him from the meetting this day.

The said day was produced ane letter from the Marquis of Huntly,
showing his willingnes to haue the kirkis of Kynnoir and Dumbennand
planted with Mr. Wiliame Jamesone, formerlie nominat and tryed be the
presbytrie for the said charge ; and withall, requyring the wacand stipend
of the yeir 1650 to be allocat for building ane new kirk at Huntly, quhilk
he intendit to doe with the first conveniencie. The bretheren, taking the
mater to ther consideratioune, approued his Lordships consent for planta-
tioun of the saidis kirkis as said is, and appoynted the nixt meetting at
Kynnoir, seventh Mali, for the admissione of the said Mr. Wiliam Jame-
sone ; as also ordained Mr. William Kininmont, Mr. Johne Reidfurd, Mr.
Robert Jamesone to goe and show his Lordship, that the Commissione
of the Provinciall Assemblie had appoynted the saidis kirkis to be dis-
ioyned, and severallie planted, so that the presbytry could doe nothing in
prejudice of the said act; and lykevys desyred them to informe his Lord-
ship, that by the actis of this kirk, the wacand stipend belongs to the intrant
at least from the day of his nominatioun, quhilk vas at Botarie, penult
Januarij, 1650, and therfor the presbytry alreadie had disposed the said
stipend to the said Mr. William, as belonging to him ex jure, according to
the act.

1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 181

The said day, ane letter produced from the Commissioneris of the Ane letter

Generall Assemblie, requirhiff everie presbytrie to tak paines to search and I^™*.^.

' ^ ° . Commission-

try if ther wer any among them that did labour to obstruct the work of erisofthe

the defence of religion, king, and kingdome, according to the publict re- Generall
solutiouns of this kirk, by preaching, wreitting, or persuading to the
contrar, and to censure the transgressoris. In obedience quhervnto, the
moderator required the seuerall bretheren to report ther cariage theranent
the nixt day.

The warning emitted be the Commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie Warning.
anent sectaries red be all the bretheren.

Compeired Master James Kennedie, and produced his declaratioune Kennedye.
under his hand, as he was formerlie ordained, who being remoued, the
moderator asked the bretheren particularlie if they had hard any more
concerning the said James his scandellous lyf and conversatioune, that they
might charge him with, who declared they hard nothing more than thes
things that aireadie had bein objected to him, saue onlie that they hard he
was not ane good instrument for the countrey about the Marquis of Huntlie
his hand. The said Mr. James called, was accused of the forsaid evill
counsell to the said Marquis, denyed the same, and promised to give
instances of the contrair if he sould be further to it. Therafter, beinar
desyred to expresse his humilitie be word as he had done by wreit in
his declaratioune, who compeired in sacco wpon his knees, declaring him-
self to haue gryt sorow of heart for thes sinis for quhich he was excom-
municat, and that he was vnfeinedly tuoched with the weight of that
sentence, earnestlie longing for to be resaued into the communion of the
people of God. By all quhich wordis and gesture the bretheren perceiving
him tuoched, referred him back to the Commissione of the Generall As-
semblie, with the extract of the presbytrie ther wholl procedour with him,
vnder the clerk his hand, as the result of ther travaillis, and especiallie of
that declaratioune of his wicked lyf and conversatioune that he had giffen
vnder his hand, quhilk was ordained heir to be insert ad futuram ret me-
moriam, the tenor quherof followes : —

" Presented by Master James Kennedy, excommunicated persone, to
the reuerend moderator and bretheren of the Presbyteric of Stra-
bogie, holdin at the kirk of [ ] the [ ] day of

[ ] 1651, in answer to seuerall propositions and demands

proponed to him by them at seuerall former presbyteres, and diuerse

182 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651.

conferences had with him be seuerall of the bretheren for that
effect.

" Wheras wpon ane supplicatione presented by me to the Commissione
of the Generall Assembly, whereby I did humbly supplicat their reverend
wisdomes to be relaxed from the dreadfull sentence of excommunication so
justlie inflicted wpon me for these greivous sinnes and haynous crymes
mentioned therin, it did pleas ther reverend wisdomes, be ane act of dait
the [ ] day of February last, to remit me to your wisdomes of the

Presbyterie of Strabogie to confer with me, and bring me to a sense of my
guiltines, and to report to them the result of your travellis. Wherwpon
your wisdomes, wpon my supplicatioune presented to yow, haue granted
me audience, and conferred with me at severall meitings of your presbyterie,
as lykwayes at diverse conferences had with me by severall of the bretheren
for that effect : Therfor, and for further satisfactione to the said Com-
missione and to your wisdomes, it is my most humble and earnest desyr
that I may have that libertie and friedome heii'by to ingenuouslie acknow-
ledge and sincerlie declair (so far as it shall pleas God of his mercie to
enable me) my reall sense of all these wicked courses which I haue formerlie
runne, and of the sinnes and wnlawfulnes of my former wayes, with my
resolutiounes theranent, and anent my futur behaviour in tyme cumming.
And siklyk, my we[ak] judgement anent these vther particularis proponed
by your wisdomes to me, as foUoweth, wherby God may be glorified, his
])eople satisfied, and my conscience, so much weighted with the heavie
])urthen of sinnes, eased and refreshed.

" I doe, in all humilitie, most ingenouslie confesse and sincerlie acknow-
ledge, to the glorie of God and my oune shame, that at the beginning of
that horrid and wnnaturall rebellione raised in the northerne pairts of
this kingdome, being moved with the spirit of presumptione and sin-
gularitie, I did abandon the societie of Gods people within the toune
of Edinburgh, amongst whom I lived formerlie about the space of ten
yeirs or therby, with George Gordon, sumtym Marquis of Huntly, about
the yeir 1643 ; and having caried armes wnder him in the forsaid re-
bellione in the yeir 1644 or therby, against authoritie, both civill and
ecclesiastick, I was, about that tym, most justlie excommunicat by the
Commissione of the Generall Assemblie for the same, and for my de-
linquencie and wickednes in opposing the Covenant and work of God in
this land, and endeavoring the mine and subversione theroff according

1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 183

to my pouer, the justice of which sentence I doe heirby most sincerelie
and seriouslie acknowledge.

" That, being defeited by the Spirit of Grace, and therby left to myseltf,
I proceided from sinne to sinne, till at last I became altogidder insensible
of sinne, having my conscience cauterized with the habit and custum of
sinning, wherwpon I not onlie continowed in armes with the said wmquhill
George Gordoune, sumtym Marquis of Huntlye, after my said excommu-
nicatione, wntill such tym as he wes forced to disband and leaue the feilds,
and retire himselff to Stranaver, bot did immediatlie therefter associat my-
selflF to wmquhill James Grahame, excommunicat traitour, who had invaded
this kingdome with ane number of bloodie Irishes and barbarous Hielanders,
with whom I continoued in armes for the space of ane yeir and aboue,
untill I wes takin prisoner efter Philiphauch ; being also partaker and high-
lie guiltie of all that bloodshed, raising of fire, rapine, plundering, and all
other barbarous insolencies, and wnnatturall creuelties and outrages com-
mitted all that tym.

" And not being sensible of that happines and blessing conferred wpon
me at that tym by the mercifuU hand of God, first, in arreasting me by
prisone, therby to haue stopped that violent course and torrent of my by-
past wicked and sinfull lyff, and to haue recalled me to himselff; and nixt,
in releiving me from the snares of a violent death, which I daylie expected
and justlie deserved, by setting me at libertie furth of prisone, I wes so
baselie ungrate to so gracious a God, and mercifull a father, that in place
of returning thanks, and acknouledging of his benefits, being givin over to
a strong delusione, and possessed with seven worse spirits then the former, I
returned againe to my oune vomit, and walloued myselff of new in the myre
and puddle of my former wickednes and sinfulnes, so that, efter my releiff
furth of prisone in the tolbuith of Edinburgh, I retired myself!" north
againe to the said George Gordoune, sumtym Marquis of Huntly, who had
raised a new rebellione in the yeir 1G46, to whom I adhered till October
therefter, 1647, that he wes takin prisoner.

" To all which sinfull and wicked proccidings, I doe also confesse that
one of my cheifest motives which induced me to follow the same wes a blind
obedience to [ ] of the last king, which now I acknowledge to have

bein most [ ] to touch me with some sense of all those former

haynous and greivous offences, efter so many wandrings and warnings, and
with some kind of remorse and sorow for the same, as appeared to me.

184 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651.

wharwpon I did supplicat the said Commissione of the Generall Assembly
in June, 1649, or therby, and since that tym lykwayes ; yet such wes my
pronnes and dispositione to my former wicked and sinfull courses, that in
place of continouing and cherishing these good motiones, and prosecuting so
happie a designe, I wes tempted be my oune lusts and wicked nature to a
fearfull backslyding, by joyning myself to that associatione of insurrectione
and rebellione laitlie raised in the north, in October last, by some malignant
and factious spirits, authors theroff.

" I doe also, in all humilitie, most seriouslie confesse and sincerelie ac-
knouledge that the whole course of my lyfF, both befor and since my ex-
communicatione, hath bein nothing but a progresse of wickednes and daylie
heaping of sinne wpon sinne, by drunkennes, whordom, cursing and swear-
ing, break of the Saboth, neglect of Gods worship, pryd, envy, malice,
contempt of the means of grace, mocking of religione, profanitie, and all
sort of wickednes and excesse of ryot ; by all which I have offended Al-
mightie God in the highest maner, and given great occasione of scandall
and offence to his people. And the rather that no pretext or cloack of ig-
norance wes left me, having had sufficient occasiones of the ordinaire means
of my educatione and instructione, and being educat and bred both at
schooles and colledges, and other seminaries of learning within this king-
dome ; all which doe so much the more aggravat and aggrage my sinfulnes
and wickednes, having sinned so highlie both against my knouledge and the
light of my conscience, and against the light of the gospell shyning so
cleirlie for the tym.

" As for these demands proponed unto me, anent the Covenant, League
and Covenant, the lait unlawfull engagement, and religione presently pro-
fessed, I doe ingenuously confess and sincerely acknouledge that I wes for
a long tym possessed with a dislyk of the Covenant, League and Covenant,
and all the meanes used for promoving theroff, being induced thervnto by a
prejudiced opinion wharwith I wes possest, and a wilfull neglect of the
means to have bein informed of the necessitie and laufulnes of the same, bot
most by ane affected singularitie. Bot having informed myselff more par-
ticularlie theranent, and especiallie by these several conferences above
mentionat, which I haue had with your wisdomes, not only sufficientlie sa-
tisfied and fullie convinced [ ].

" And as to the said Covenant and League and Covenant, in relation to
the king, I doe ingenuouslie profess and declare, and lykwayes solemnlie

1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 185

promeis, that gif the King should (out of a malignant dispositione) change
his principles, and talc armes against the said Covenant and League and
Covenant, therby to oppose or persecute the cause of God and the work of
reformatione in this land, I wald not only not follow him therin, but wald
stand in the defence of the cause of God to my wttermost power, and op-
pose him and all others whosoever who sould attempt so unlaufull a designe.

" And as to the lait unlawfull engagement against England, I doe es-
teim the same most unlaufull and sinfull, as being destructive and contrarie
to the Covenant, League and Covenant, and to the judgement of this kirk,
delyvered by these severall declarationes emitted by the Generall Assembly
and ther Commissioners to that effect.

" And as for the religione presently professed, I doe not apprehend any
difference in mater of doctrine from that I wes educat in from my infancie,
and wherwnto I have still adhered be my professione, and shall, God wil-
ling, continow in all the dayes of my lyftym, though I confesse to my great
greiff, that my practise hath bein far contrarie. Bot for the discipline and
church government, I doe professe ingenuouslie I wes not so weill satis-
fied therwith till of lait, by the forsaids several conferences I have had
with your wisdoraes to that purpose, whereby I am so fullie satisfied therin,
that I doe confidentlie beleive that Presbyterian government, as it is pre-
sently established in the Kirk of Scotland, is the only trew and laufull
church government, grounded upon the word of God, and institut be
Chryst and his apostles.

" And I doe protest and solemnlie promeis, by the grace of God, faith-
fuUie to adher wnto the said Covenant, League and Covenant, and all the
ends theroff, and to the religione presently professed, both in doctrine and
discipline, and to promove the same to the wttermost, according to my
place and power, heirefter, as God shall enable me. And not only to
shunne such wicked and sinfull courses heirefter (by the grace of God) as
I haue hitherto folloued, but also to prove active and instrumentall, accord-
ing to my pouer, for furthering of the work of reformatione in all tymes
cumming, that these people who have bein stumbled and so much offended
by my sinfulnes and fall may be raised againe and encouraged by my good
exemple of lyff and conversatione, and God may be glorified in my humi-
liatione and repentance for all my bygaine sinnes and wicked courses, and
in my returne to his church and people, wpon the reall evidences of my
sinceritie therin. To the whilk effect, I humblie beg of Ahnightie God the

2 A

186

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1651.

assistance of his Holy Spirit to direct me in all my wayes, and to continow
that good work of grace in me till he bring it to a finall perfectione.

" Master James Kennedye."
The nixt meetting at Kynnoir, 7th Maii, and Mr. Johne Chalraer or-
dained to preach the said day, as also the Lordis day proceeding, and
intimat the meetting of the bretheren ther the said day for admissione of
Mr. William Jamesone ; and Mr. William Jamesone ordained to preach at
Gartlie the said Lordis day.

Plantatioun
Kynnoir.

Querie

])roponned.

Agnes
Anderson.

Att Kynnoir, 7 th Maij, 1651.
Mr. Johne Chalmer taught, 1st Thess. 5, v. 12.
of The said day having been appoynted for admissione of Mr. William
Jamesone to the ministrie of the wnited kirkis of Kynnoir and Dumben-
nand, who had giuen sufficient proof of his qualificatione and literature
in his privat tryallis, and ane edict being seruit and indorsit, and nane
compeiring on the contrair, the said Mr. William was admittit minister at
the said wnited kirkis of Kynnoir and Dumbennand, be incalling the name
of God, and imposition of handis, according to the order of the Kirk ;
giving him power, vnder Christ, to preach the gospell, administrat the
sacramentis, exercise discipline at the saidis wnited kirkis ; who gaue his
oath of fidelitie in his charge, and subscryved League and Covenant, and
promised obedience to the government of the Kirk of Scotland and his
bretheren, who thervpon gaue him the right hand of fellowship, and the
parochineris accepted him, together with George Gordon of Achanachie,
commissioner from the Marquis of Huntly, for the said effect.

The said day, the moderator asked the bretheren severallie, (according
to the letter of the Commissioners of the Generall Assemblie, the former
day produced,) if they did obstruct the work of the defence of religion,
King, and kingdome, by preaching or wtherwayes, and whow they wer
satisfied vith the publik resolutiounes of the Kirk theranent ; all that wer
present declared themselfs satisfied, and schew that they wer promowing
the work, according to ther places and calling.

The said day, compeired George Morison in Rothemay, and being
accused for scandellizing Agnes Anderson, spous to Peter Meldrum, with
adulteric, confessed he said the same. Being asked quhat mowed him so
to doe, or quhat presumptiones he had therof, answered, becaus the said
Agnes had scandellized his wyf first, and that the mater was trew, he

1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 187

finding them in a scandellous cariage together alone in the hous, quhilk he
offerred himself to proue by his nighbouris, Alexander Michell and Andro
Scot; who, being present, and admittit be the said Agnes Anderson as
witnesses, wer suorne, deponed they neuer knew any scandellous cariage
betuixt the said Agnes and Alexander Frost, alledgit adulterer with hir.
Then the said George Morison being asked if he had any more witnesses,
answered, nane but his owne wyfe, vho also being present, declared con-
forme to hir husband in the maine point, but not in all circumstances.
The bretheren, having seriouslie considered the mater, and wpon diligent
search, findis all to be groundit wpon malice ; also, the minister, Mr. James
Gordon, reporting that ther wes no scandell but quhat wes raised be these
personis ; and the said George having promised to proue the mater suh
periculo causae, quherin he had failled, ordained the said George Morison
and his wyf to raak repentance in sacco for the said scandell.

The said day, the presbytrie ordained the youngest minister of ther Ordinance for
number to be clerk, and so Mr. William Jamesone wes admittit therto.

Att Botarie, Maij 21, 1651.

Ther was no exercise this day, in respect of the absence of Mr. Robert Doctrine.
Irving, quho excused himselfe by a letter writtin by his sonne-in-law in his
name, he himselfe not being able be reason of ane heavie sicknes.

Mr. George Meldrum, quho should only haue addit, did much in his
discourse to supply the defect of exercise. The text this day was, 1st
Cor. 4, V. 12. Quhich being ended.

The meitting was blest by the moderatour, and the name of God incalled. Absent.

Mr. George Chalmer absent. Meetting

® . „ . . broken u|).

Mr. Robert Irving his excuse considered, was found verie relevant, in irvinge.

respect it was declared by some bretheren that he was sick indeed.

Mr. George Meldrum being remowed, was generallie approven in his Censure,
great paines takne wpon the forsaid text, and the Lord was blest in him at
his incomming, he being exhorted to be thankfull and diligent.

The said Mr. George his excuse for the last dayes absence was consi- Meldrum.
dered, and in respect it was generallie knowne of all the bretheren that he
ussed not to disfrequent such meettings, but made conscience of keepping
them, it was allowed and past ouer without censure.

George Low, parochiner of Keythe, haueing now satisfied the discipline Low.
ther for his adulterie with Margaret Gray, compeired this day in sackclothe.

188

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1651.

and being put to it, gaue a humble confession of the fault, and the guilti-
nesse theroff, that the said George fand himselfe sensibly weighted vith,
promising, in the strengthe of the Lords assistance, to be more forseeing
over himselfe, and more vatchfuU in tyme to come, and craueing pardon at
the Lord and his people for that hainous provocation, etc. The bretherne
understanding the mans desire of mercie, and his willingnes to christian
walking in hatred of such sins, quhilk he did proffesse both befor them and
his owne congregatioune (as they were informed by the minister theroff),
remitted him back to the session of Keythe to be absolued.
Lady Altare. The said day, Mr. George Melvill compeired, and being sworne, did de-
ponne quhat he knew anent the Lady Alters uncleannes, eyther of adul-
terie or fornication, towitt, that Janet Gray, somtyme servant to the forsaid
ladie, did declare to the forsaid Mr. George, in the upper chalmer of the
palace of Altare, in Murray, that about the tyme of the said Mr. George
his going abrod to visit his freinds, the ladie being at that tyme valitude-
narie, yea, and gone to bed at his goeing away, the said Janet told the said
Mr. George that the ladie forsaid was delivered of a child befor the said
Mr. George his returne, quhich declaratione, according to his present know-
ledge and memorie, he subscribis as true and upright. That it is written
with the said Mr. George his owne hand in the presbyteriall scrolles verba-
tim, and subscribed Mr. G. Melvill.

Mr. George Melvill presented a supplication acknowledgeing the hainous-
nes of his sinne in forging a testimoniall, the justice of the sentence of the
Synode of Murray, quhich was pronounced against him for the said fowll
fact of his in forgeing the samen, and humblie professing himselfe ane earn-
est and assiduous penitent, greiueing verie much that euer he should bein
actor or accessorie to that evill quhich now he perceiued to be ane hainous
and highe prevarication, and ane mater full of guiltines and danger, quherof
he desired to be penitentiallie myndfull befor the throne of mercie all his
days ; wishing also the prayers of the faythfull to be assisting unto him in
the fervent desire he now had found for the pardon of that sin quherwith he
fund himselfe to be heavilie loadened, only because he was now by the
mercie of God preferred to be a minister of the gospell, and servant of
Jesus by special trust, and was verie unwilling that the office he bore, the
person he represented, or the message that he brought should be discredited
in hiin in these places, quher, althoughe the fault was committed, yet the
scandell had never been much heard of, he earnestly desired a mitigation of

Melvilles
supplicatioun.

1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 189

the forsaid sentence, if not in qualitie (for he acknowledged that he was

worthie of more then sackcloathe), yet in respect of the place of compeir-

ance, or any other way that they should thinke fittest to be taken bothe for

purgeing of scandell and for the saueing of the credit of that highe calling

quherwithe he was laufullie invested. The brethren, taking the mater to

heart, and perseiueing the young man to be in all likliehood humbled under

the sense and burthen of the sin, and understanding that ther was a meetting

of ane commission of the province to be betuixt that and ther next dyett,

quher some of ther owne number wer to be present, they did referre the

mater unto them to be advised, that the proceeding might be the more

cleare and unanimous ; and in the meane summondit Mr. George to keep

the nixt meetting of the presbytrie, with resolution to giue satisfaction as he

should be enjoyned, quhich the said Mr. George did faythfullie promise

to doe.

Compeired Elspett Crukshanke, parochiner of Botarie, and being ac- Crukshanke,

cused of adulterie with Lodovicke Lindsay, some tyme Earle of Crawfurd, adulteresse,

ip-r. • iT-»i 1 c ' ordained,

both m the parioch oi Botarie and Kothemay, she coniessed the same m

both parochines, and after that the filthines of her offence was laid forthe
unto hir by the moderatour, and she mightly rebuked for her contumacious
and lewd life, quhich (as was reported be the minister of Botarie), she had
for ane long tyme spended in the service of Sathan, by whorring and per-
jurie, she was remitted to the sessions of both the kirkes of Rothemay and
Botarie, to satisfie per vices, as ane adulteresse in sackcloathe, barefootted,
till the discipline should be satisfied according to the order of this kirke ;
and if she should desist at any tyme from guieing obedience, that then in-
continent she should be excommunicated, her processe being alreadie neir
the closure in the parochin of Botarie, quher she had most resided, and the
ministeris to report.

The question that was asked of euerie brother, the last day, concerning Querie
their affection to carie on the work of defence of religion. King, and 'tcrated.
kingdome, by ther preaching according to the publicke resolutiounes of
the Commission of the Kirke, being demanded of Mr. George Meldrum,
quho was absent at the last meetting, answered, that he could not giue a
present answer therto, in respect he had not acquainted himselfe so fullie
with the businesse as he could have wisht, and that he could not recollect
his memorie upon such a short tyme to giue satisfaction unto evcric parti-
culare, but promised to informe himselfe better theranent with all convenient

190

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1651

diligence, and to giue them ane answere at the nixt occasion that he
were put to it, quherupon the mater was not more pressed for the time,
in respect the said Mr. George was knowne to be diligent and honest in his
calling, and verie ingenuous to declare himselfe freely, quhen he should be
asked therin the nixt tyme.

This day it was ordained (seeing the summer tyme was now drawing on),
that they should proceed unto the visitatioune of the kirkes of their bounds
that were not visited the yeare bygonne, and that they should begin at
Abercherdor, second Junii, quher Mr. Wm. Kinninmonthe is appoynted
to preache.

Mr. John Redfurd, minister at Abercherdor, declared that he could not
haue his discipline in readinesse against that tyme, in respect he could not
be at leisure to fill up the book, because of ane necessitie lying upon him
to keep the commission of the Synod interveening.

Chalmer
excused.

Visitatioun of
Aberchirder.

At Aberchirder, 11th Junij, 1651.

Mr. William Kinnynmonthe taught. Exodus 32, v. 11.

Conveened the wholl memberis of the presbytry, and, after incalling on
the name of God, Mr. George Chalmer excused his former dayes absence
because of some important afiaires he had to doe that day at home, besyde
the attending of his wife lying bedfast wnder ane heavie disease. The ex-
cuse admitted.

The said day, Mr. John Redfurd, minister at the place, gaue in a list of
the elders and deacounes that were admitted to exercise thes functions
within the parioche of Aberchirder, as followethe : [ ]

Quho being all sworn e with uplifted hand, as in the presence of Almightie
God, to quhom they were to render ane accompt one day, to declare them-
selues faythfullie in quhat they knew concerninge their ministeres doctrine,
conversatioune, and exercise of discipline within the parioch of Aberchirder,
and of his afFectioune for carying on the worke of God in this kirke and king-
dome, according to his vocatioune and calling. The minister and other elders
Robert CoUeis remoued, Robert Colleis deponned as followeth, viz. : being demandit con-
his report of cerning the ministeris personal cariage and in his familie, answered, that he
was a verie honest man, free of any vyce in himselfe for any thing that he
could learne of him, being frequently with him in companie ; and that he
used prayer in his familie twise a day, with reading of scripture and singing
of psalmes after meat ordinarly, and was verie diligent in the instruction of

1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 191

his familie, children, and servants, in the way of their right conversing with
God and his people, and that others adjacent were much the better of their
good example. Being demandit concerning his doctrine, answered, for
himselfe, he was verie much refreshed by him, and (according to all the light
that the Lord had bestowed upon himselfe) he knew nothing hot that he
was orthodoxe in his preaching, prompt and eloquent in his deliverie, and
fraughted ordinardie with store of food to distribut to the necessitie of them
committed unto him at everie occasion, both for comforting of longing soules
and terrour of the obstinat. Being demandit if he used to speake against
the most raging errours of the tymes, especiallie sectarisme and malignancie,
and if he pressed the refutatioune of these evills solidly by sound and good
scriptures and sufficient reasounes quhen he fell upon them, and if he were
zealous and powerfull for the laying forthe of sufficient grounds that the
people might lay up in store for strengthening themselues against the cor-
ruption of these distroying evills, if at any tyme they shold be solicited
therunto, and for convinceing them that were alreadie takne and lying still
in the drogges of malignancie ; answered, he did not omitt his dutie in any
of these things, hot taught his people as a man of God forseeing their dan-
ger, and convincing by applying the phisicke of the word to the sore, with-
out respect of the persounes of any man. Being demandit how oft he
preached upon the Lords day, and if he used lectureing and catechiseing ;
answered, he preached twise a day in the summer tyme, and lectures halfe
houris space and aboue befor his first sermon ordinarily everie Sabothe,
with due solemnitie keepped ; and in the weeke tyme did frequentlie cate-
chize his parochiners, instructing them in the grounds of the Christian
faythe, and tooke great paines for planting their hearts in the sincere know-
ledge of Christ crucified. Being asked if he did exercise discipline towards
all impartiallie, reproued sin freely, and used meanes with all to restore such
as had failed in the spirit of meekenes ; answered, that he stroue for verie
much exactnes in all these, and behaued himselfe verie prudently among
them, as a man macking conscience of his calling, equallie punishing all
that were ahke guiltie, without carnalitie or by ends, so farre as he under-
stoode, and, in loue, doeing quhat he could to mack sinne to be hated, and
the Lord get glorie in the returne of all that had fallen therin or walked
scandelously. Being asked if there were any in the parisch that gaue them-
selues out as papists, or were popishly inclyned and non communicants, and
that had not subscribed the Covenant and League and Covenant ; answered.

192

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1651.

Gordons
testimonie

Redfurds
testimonie.

The wholi
elders testi-
monie.

that he knew none of that sort. And, last of all, being asked quhen he
used to celebrat the sacraments ; answered, that he baptised eyther at the
weekly lecture or other exercise, hot especiallie on the Lords day, in the
face of the wholl congregation, after the first sermon ; and as for the other
sacrament of the Lords Supper, he used to giue it once a yeare, and was
macking preparation for the administration theroff how soon he could con-
veniently, and was preparing his people the more diligently because of that.
And being desired to be ingenuous, remembring his oathe, to declare if
ther wer any thing that he wished him to be admonished of, and particu-
larlie if he did presse familie worshipe to be sett up in everie familie in the
parishe ; answered, he knew nothing of that kynd, and for pressing of fa-
milie worshipe he was instant in it, both in privat and publick to exhort un-
to it, and had prevailed so much, that sundrie had begun to usse prayers and
reading of scripture ordinarly in their houses, of quhich number himselfe
was one that had begun to doe the samen. He was thanked for it, and en-
couraged be the moderator, and was intreated to continue therin, without
intermission in tyme comming, quhilk undoubtedly would tend to his good if
he should labour to grow in that duetie. The gentleman tooke the exhorta-
tioune kyndly, and promised, by the grace of God, to labour to giue obe-
dience to the desire, for the good example of others, and his oune growthe
in true acquaintance with the Lord.

John Gordon being called and sworne, ut supra, did giue unto the
minister the like testimonie in euerie thinge as was befor giuen unto him
be Robert Colleis, nether did he know any thing that he thought he
needed to be admonished of, but thanked God that they had the happines
to haue him ther minister.

George Redfurd being sworne, ut supra, called, deponned in everie
thinge as the other two, and heartily blessed God in him. He knew
nothing quheroff he should be admonished.

All the rest called, did homologat the forgoeing testimonies in euerie
thing, adding with all, that he was carefuU in taking notice of such poore
ones as were in the parish, and in supplieing them in their necessities, and
at some set tyraes of the yeare, by the distribution of such moneyes
amongst them as were usuallie gathered in the congregatioune at their
ordinarie meettings to worshipe. They had nothing to haue him ad-
monished for.

The minister being called, was heartily incouraged to the worke, and

1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 193

desired to be diligent in his calling, and earnest seeking of God ; and be-
sought the Lord to continue with him to that effect.

The elders being remoued, and the minister asked concerning their Admonition to
asistance unto him in the discipline of the kirke, and their diligence in elders.
privat admonition and delatioune, and Christian cariage and brotherly
correspondence amongst themselues, gaue them a good testimonie in all,
only desired them to be wakened to farther dutie in all the forsaids, and
especiallie that they should be carefull to take notice of any common
swearings, that, after once or twise admonitioune, they might dilat them
to the session, that they might be censured according to the measure of
guiltinesse found in them. Quho being called in, were grauely admonished
to fidelitie in euerie one of the particulares forsaid, that they should walke
like their calling, and withall, were earnestly exhorted euerie on of them
to sett up the worshipe of God in their families, that so they might learne
to feare God, and follow the example of such of their owne number that
had begune to doe it.

The session book was not yet visited, in respect of the ministers being
in Murray, as is befor specified, so that he could not haue leasure to cause
fill it up.

This day, Mr. John Redfurd and Mr. William Kinnynmonthe reported Lady Fren-
they had conferred with the Ladie of Frendraught anent her usuall not ^'■^"glit-
countenancing the publicke worshipe in the familie, and had tryed her if
she used to any idolatrous worshipe, or if she did acquant her selfe most
with the reading of the popishe bookes, or keepped besid her any monu-
ments of idolatrie, as they were enjoyned by the Synode of Forres last.
In all quhich they fand her not averse from the lawfull commands of the
Kirke of Scotland, promiseing in euerie thing to conforrae her selfe
therto, both in the publicke and private worshipe therof, in all tyrae
comming ; and that she should not giue herselfe to any further acquaint-
ance to the detestable wayes of poprie or popish idolatrie, in any tyme
heirafter, quherin the brethren acquiesced for the tyme.

Also, the forsaid brethren haueing bein at the Commission in Murray, Melvills
reported they had advised with them anent the abouewrittin supplication, ''6P'^"t*"ce.
giuen in the last day of meetting by Mr. George Melvill, but received no
answer from them in that particulare, in respect they judged it not per-
tinent for them to haue any medling therin, it being without their bounds
for the tyme, and belonging particularlie to the presbytry themselues, by

2 B

194

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1651.

Ladyes of
Rothemay
communicat.

Kennedie to
be receiued
and absolued.

way of reference from the Synode at Forres. Quherfor the bretherne,
takne the mater to heart, and after due consideration of the particulares of
the abouewrittin supplication, and finding the remorse of conscience that
was to be desired in the younge man, thought fitt that the said Mr.
George should humble himselfe in sacco presently, in presence of God and
his servants of the presbytry their conveined, to declare his humilitie and
selfe detestatioune in the mater of forging of that testificate, remitting
quhat further censure should be enjoyned him unto the graue and wise
decreet of the Synode nixt following, and withall, that he should be takne
strickely obleiged to giue obedience unto their determination in everie
thing, if they should not rest satisfied in his present obeying of this decreet
of presbytry enjoyned him. The said Mr. George being called, compeired,
and after the mater was weightily put before him de novo^ and he acquainted
with the great guiltines therofi", rebuked for the samen, and exhorted to a
serious takeing of it to heart, and repenting for it befor the Lord, the aboue
writtin censure was made knowne unto him ; quherunto he promised to
giue obedience most willingly in everie particulare theroff, and especiallie
that he should be glade to attend the farther censure of the nixt Synode,
with desire to satisfie accordingly to their enj unction, as he was willing to
doe presently for the obeying of this. Quherupon the said Mr. George
remoued, and compeiring againe in sacco^ and upon his knees, in presence
of all the members of the present meetting, acknowledged the fault, and
both verballie, and (as it seimed) reallie, declared himselfe weighted with
it, and earnestly begged pardon of the Lord for the samen, and all that
were present to be dayly suiteres befor the throne to that effect. The said
Mr. George being aduertised to be myndfull of his late [promise,] was
dismissed.

Mr. James Gordon reported that the two Ladyes of Rothemay, elder
and younger, had receiued the sacrament of the Lord's Supper in this vice
without any scruple, being now ordinarie hearers of the word ; and that
the Laird himselfe would haue receiued the samen in like maner, if he had
not been absent at the armie in the tyme of the glueing of it, for he was
certaine that he had no scruple in his mynd against it, if his actions and
frequent professions to himselfe therin should meett.

Compeired Mr. James Kennedie, and produced the extract of the Act
of the Commission of the Generall Assembly for absolueing of him from
the dreadfuU sentence of excommunicatioun under quhich he, to his greife,

1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 195

had long lyen, the tenor quherof followeth : " Perthe, 23d Maij, 1651.
The Commission of the Generall Assembly, haueing considered the report
of the Presbytrie of Strathbogie, and heard Mr. James Kennedie person-
ally present diverse tymes befor themselues, considering also the report of
some of their owne number appoynted to conferre with him, bearing their
satisfaction with the expressions they find of his sense of, and sorrow for, his
offences for quhich he was excommunicat ; doe therfor refferre him to the
Presbytrie of Strathbogie, that, after publick satisfaction in sackclothe,
according to the order prescribed, they may relaxe him from the sentence
of excommunication, giueing to them full power to that effect, quherin they
shall make report of their diligence to this Commission, or the nixt Gene-
rall Assemblie. Suhscribitur, T. Ker." The bretherne perceiueing the
mynd of the Commission heirin, and finding the said Mr. James following
forth the same way of greife for his sins for quhich he had bein excommu-
nicat as he had begunne to doe of late, and that he declared himselfe op-
posite to such wicked courses quherunto he had bein giueing himselfe,
ordained Master William Jamesone to take his repentance the nixt Lords
day at Dumbennan, quher he had bein resident in the tyme of his wickednes,
and to receiue him to the societie of the faythfull againe, by absolueing him
from that dreadfull sentence, according to his repentence, as he shall be
answerable to them, and to report his diligence therin at the nixt meetting.
In the meane tyme, hearing that the said Mr. James was maliciouslie set
against Thomas Spense, ane honest man, that had liued christianly in the
countrie all this tyme, and being asked anent it, denyed any malice or
hatred at all that he caried towards him, or any other man ; and in tokne of
the treuthe, he was content to referre any thinge that was in question
betwixt them to the decision of any two brethren of the presbytry, and to
stand to quhat they should conclude therin, under the paine of 10,000 libs.,
quhich gaue the brethren verie much contentment for the tyme.

Compeired George Adamsone of Fluires, and requyred Mr. Alexander Ker to preach
Ker, a young man quho was occasionallie present, this day to giue them a '^ [ ^^^
preaching the Lords day ensueing. The said George being remoued, that
he might receive his answer to his demande, it was concluded that the said
Mr. Alexander should be entreated at the nixt visitation, in respect some
did not thinke it so convenient that any should have warrand from them
to preach in a vacand congregatioune till they themselues should once
heare him. Intimation heiroff was made to the said George Adamsone,

196

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1651.

Commissioner
chossen for
the Generall
Assemblie.

being called, and the said Mr. Alexander was entreated to embrace the
call, quhilk he promised to discharge, God willing, at the nixt day of
meetting.

Mr. William Kinnynmonthe this day was ordained to attend the nixt
Generall Assemblie, as commissioner from the presbytry at this tyme ; and
Alexander Ogilvie of Kempcairne, as ruUing elder ; glueing them full
power to dispute, voice, conclude, debat, etc.^ according to the word of
God, Covenant, Solemne League and Covenant, as they will be answerable
to ws at their returne. The said Mr. William accepted, and his expenses
ordained to be brought in by everie brother against the nixt meetting.

Eiders of
Innerkeithny

At Innerkeythnie, 26th Junii, 1651.
Conveined the moderator and remanent brethren, and after incalling of
the name of God, Mr. Alexander Ker taught, Hos. 5, v. 6. The doctrine
was approven.

This day being appoynted for visiting the kirke of Innerkeythnie, the
minister, Mr. Robert Irving, called, gaue in the list of elders and deacones
as followes : George Sinclare of Haddo Mill ; Beroald Innes of Turterie ;
James Elshunder in Haddo ; Patrik Elshunder ; George Merns in Fortrie ;
George Harper in Ardfour ; George Spense of Tullo ; Patricke Neper in
Drachlo ; William Smyth in Auchingoul ; Robert Farskein in Downeis ;
Robert Elshunder ; John Irvinge ; Alexander Elshunder ; quho being all
particularely sworne to declare honestly and faythfuUie quhat they knew
concerning their minister his dischargeing his calling amongst them, and
Georg Spense his Christiane conversatioune, etc. ; the rest remoued, Georg Spens of
his testimonie. 'pyHo being demanded of the ministers personall cariage in the place, or if
he ussed tipling or tavernes, and did not attend his studies ; answered, he
knew no thing bot honestie to him, was no tipler nor ailhouseman, bot,
according to his knowledge, diligent at his booke. Being asked how he
behaued himselfe in his familie, and if he had morning and evening worship
in it, and reading of scriptures ; answered, he had all these. Being asked
concerning his doctrine ; answered, he taught soundly out of the scriptures ;
and that if the people liked to take heed unto him, being now acquainted
with his maner of probatioune and deliverie, they might reape benefitt by
him. Being asked how often he preached upon the Lords day, and quhen
he lectured ; answered, he preached twyce everie Sabothe, and lectured
befor the sermon in the fornoone ; quhich course he still held in the summer

1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 197

tyme quhill as the day was long, and baptised ordinariely after sermon,
except upon speciall emergent, and then he ussed still some doctrine befor
the baptisme, grounded wpon particulare place of scripture; and as for
his gift in preaching, he thought it no whitt diminisht from what it was
twentie yeares since, bot rather encreasing dayly. Being asked how he
administered the sacraments ; answered, in ane sincere and pious way, as he
conceived, the Lords supper once a yeare, and ussed examination of all his
parochiners befor hand severall dayes and dyetts in the week appoynted for
that exercise, and was somtymes upon the examinatioune of all the yeare
over upon a sett day for the purpose. Being asked if he was diligent in
the other duties of his calling, in pressing familie worshipe, censureing of
delinquents impartiallie, and causeing the necessitie of the poore of the
parische to be seriously takne to heart ; answered, that in all these he
saw nothing in him bot care eneugh, for he was diligent to doe his part if
the people could be drawne to be obsequious, bot he wearied not in labour-
ing amongst them, and had sett tymes for the distributing of the ordinarie
collections to the use of the poore, takeing compassion of such as he saw
needfull of the charitie of them that the Lord had dealt with more largly, in
respect of possessing earthly meanes, and that he went befor others himselfe
in good example. In a word, he had nothing at all that he thought he
needed to be adraonisht of, bot besought the Lord to blesse him in his
labours. And last of all, being asked concerning the necessitie of ane
helper, and exhorted to be ingenuous in expressing him therin, as befor the
Lord and not men ; answered, he thought indeed ther was some sort of ex-
pediencie of it, if the parisch, being bot poore, could be able to beare it.

George Sinclare in Haddo Milne, being sworne ut supra, declared him- George Sin-
selfe in everie thing as was befor done by George Spense, only he thought ^'^^'p h'*.
ther was no such expediencie that he should be burthened with ane helper
at this tyme ; and withall, he declared that he visited the sick ordinarily
quhen he was sent for, and spake against both malignants and the sectaries
in his sermon as he fand occasioune.

All the rest of the elders being called, gaue unto him the same testiraonie The testu
with George Sinclare ; and being asked particularly, they thought ther was "^P"|f '^i^**^*'
nothing that he needed to be admonished of, bot was diligent in his calling,
and needed not a helper more now then befor at any time. As for his pro-
bation, being acquainted with it for such a longe tyme, they understood it
well eneughe, and it was no impediment unto their edifieing.

198

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1651.

Elders
censured.

Ker to preach
at Grangre.

Kers testi-
monialls.

Mr. James

Kennedie

absolued.

The minister being called, was exhorted to be carefull and painfull in
that weyghtie calleing, and to be earnest with God to that effect, and was
besought to amend his probatioune if he could, being withall incowraged to
ofoe on with the worke.

The elders remoued were commended be the minister for fidelitie in their
office, only he wished them to be admonisht of their too much favour to
dellinquents. The elders returning, were exhorted to take wpon them
their place, and to hold hard to censure the scandelous without respect of
person, and to doe quhat they could to helpe forward discipline, and the
downe bearing of sin amongst them, and particularly to beware of common
swearing, and were besought to walke worthie of such a highe and weyghtie
calling.

The parochiners of Grange gaue in a supplication for Alexander Ker to
be ther minister ; bot in respect this motioune of theirs was thought too
precipitant, and not whollie aggreeing with the Act of the Generall As-
semblie, quhich doth set forthe the way of calling of a minister, the said
Mr. Alexander was ordained to preach at Grange the nixt Sabothe, ac-
cording to the parochiners their request the last day by their commissioner ;
and Mr. John Redfurd, moderatour, the day following after sermon, is
ordained to inquire of the people their satisfaction with him, and affection
unto him to be their minister, and to report against the nixt day of
meetting.

Mr. Alexander Ker produced this day his testificats from Afford, quher
his.mouthe had bein opened, and Aberdein, quher he had attended the
profession of divinitie, declareing his gift for the ministerie, and abilities
for that calling, quhen God should offer occasion unto him. They were
read, and found sufficient. He was also incowraged to promowe in his
studies, and to be thankfull unto that Lord quho had endued him with such
abilities.

Mr. William Jamesoune reported he had receiued Mr. James Kennedie,
according to the ordinance the last day, at the kirke of Dumbennan, in
tyme of divine service, befor the wholl congregatioune, quher, after he had
oppened up the way of true repentance befor him, and charged him, as in
the sight of God, to beware of the bitter roott of dissimulatioune in such
ane serious busines, he did particularly charge the said Mr. James with
euerie one of these sins that he had acknowledged himselfe guiltie of in his
owne papers, and at his publicke examination befor the brethren of the

1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 199

presbytry, quho tooke verie well with them in the audience of the wholl
people, and expressed such probable signes of repentence before the Lord
under the sense of his drinking, whordome, perjurie, murther, malignancie,
etc., that even heartie sorow (as appeared) was to be found in him at the
mentioning of any of them, and besought the prayers of all the people to
the Lord in his behalfe, that he might be yet more, in mercie, peirced with
the exceeding weyght and sense of them ; and acknowledged, in the meane
tyme, the equitie of that highe and weyghtie sentence of excommunication
that had bein past against him, and that, indeed, he was not worthy of any
Christian societie of fellowshipe of the people of God ; quhill, as he liued *
so scandelously and disobediently befor the Lord and his people, and now
being come to ane sense of his former errors and wickednes, and finding
the burthen of such a sad sentence, he earnestly longed for relaxatioune
affaine and restitutioune to the blest liberties of other Christians, that he
might haue the benefitt of partaking with them in the ordinances, word aiid
sacraments, and Christian fellowship, etc., resolueing, in the strengthe of
the Lords assisting grace, neuer to fall back againe into the swynish puddle
of uncleannes that he had been wallowing into for such a long tyme ; upon
quhich serious (as it seemed) profession of guiltines, and greife of lying
under such a sentence, and desire of new obedience, he was receiued in the
bosome of the kirke againe, as the maner is, by giuing him the right hand,
and absoluing him from the sentence, according to his repentence, he being
for a verie long tyme humbled in sackcloth. Afterwards, hauing subscribed
the Covenant negatiue, Confession, and Solemne League and Covenant,
with due reverence, and being exhorted to be watchful! over himselfe in all
tyme comming, and to employ the Lord to preserue him from failling in
such a dangerous maner as he had done befor, and to giue ane example of
holines and Christian conversation in his wayes heirafter, was dismissed to
his place againe till the service should be clossed. In the meane tyme,
he was exhorted to abstaine from counselling any to wickednes unto quhom
he was or should be tyed unto in service heirafter, quhilke he promised
solemnly, as in the sight of God, to doe.

This day, aduertisment being receiued from the Commission of the Kirke Fast to be
for keepping of a solemne fast and humiliatioune for the continueing under •seeped,
the sinis formerly mourned for, sensuall securitie, the profanitie of many,
especiallie of these that are soldiours, the selfishnes of the tyme, the great
differences in judgment, and the extreame distresse of our brethren and de-

200 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651.

solatioun of the land, quhich, comming too late, was appoynted to be keep-
ped the nixt Lords day, and the Thursday following;, in all kirkes of the
presbytry.

Mr. George Chalmer, minister at Rynie, regrated this day the great
losse he had sustained by the casuall burning of his house the last yeare,
and of sundrie other things in it, and supplicated the brethren to represent
his conditioune to the Generall Assembly by their comissioner, that he
might be supplied , out of the vacand stipend of Botrifnie. It was thought
fitt that the commissioner should be diligent for him theranent, and to re-
" port at his home comming.

The nixt meetting is heirby appoynted to be at Gartly, for visiteing
of the kirke, (and Mr. Robert Jamesoune is to preache and visite the ses-
sioane booke) upon the sixteenth July, 1651. The meetting closed with
^ayer.

At Gartly, 16th July, 1651.

Conveined moderatour and remanent brethren, and after incalling the
name of God, Mr. Robert Jamesoune taught upon Zach. 8, v. 19.

Mr. William Kinnynmonthe, commissioner to the Generall Assemblie, is
only absent this day.

This day being appoynted for the visiteing of the kirke, the minister,
Mr. John Chalmer, called, gaue in the list of the elders and deacones in the
parisch as followethe : John Innes of Codraine ; George Gordoune in
Colithy ; Patrick Gordon at the Milne of Gartly ; William Gordon in
Whyt Lummes ; Adam Duget in Tilliminnet ; William Gordon in Milne-
hill ; Alexander Andersoune in Gartly ; Robert Allan in Bordellseat ;
William Straquhen in Birkenhill ; David Spense in Shanchare ; Androw
Straquhan in Edendiach ; Alexander Hendrie in Colithie; John Watt
in Coinachy ; John Browne in Tilliethrowies. Deacons, William Chal-
mer at the Kirkestyll ; John Cowper in Faichhill ; Alexander Crysty in
Coinachy ; and John Short in Brallanknow ; quho being sworne to declare
efoldly quhat they knew in their minister, his doctrine, life, and conver-
satioune, and exercise of his calling amongst them, as in the sight of
God, befor whom they were shortly to answer ; the minister and other
Innes his tes- elders remoued, John Innes of Codraine being asked whether the minister
timony. j-^j ^eliaue himselfe like a man of his calling in his privat conversatioune ;

answered, he did lead an innocent, blameles life, and exemplarie in

1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 201

these places, and that he did not frequent aillhouses or such places, but
was diligent in the restraint of such unlawfull exercise quhen occasion
offerred. Being posed whether he had the worship of God sett up in his
familie, and reading of scriptures morning and evening ; answered, that
he had indeed, and that he was not fotgetfull of such holie exercise to
haue his children also acquainted therwith. Being asked concerning
his doctrine, how he taught and how often, and if in the weeke tyme ;
answered, that he did teach them soundly and convincingly out of the
scriptures, and seasonably, bringing forthe ordinarily abundance of food,
convenient, sensibly, and articulatly deliuering the samen in such maner as
all might be capable, and that som tymes, as his text led him, as he saw ne-
cessitie, that he did expresse himselfe against the knowne errors of the tyme,
towitt, malignancie and sectarisme. In his sermons, continuallie he dothe
evidence his myud against them bothe, and presseth obedience to the pub-
licke resolutiones of the tyme. He preaches twyce Sabothely, and lectures
befor sermon in the summer tyme, baptises after it, before the blessing, with
such reverence and due respect as becommethe, stirres up all to be attentiue
and to countenance the ordinance. Somtymes he lectures in the weeke
tyme, and somtymes catechizethe ; hath alwise the psalmes sung in the tyme
of divine service ; and befor the celebration of the sacrament of the Lords
Supper, is more punctuall and frequent in examining his people then ordi-
narily. Moreover, he declared that he was exact in discipline, and ussed no
partialitie in punishing of delinquents, and was careful! bothe in admonishe-
ing and censureing quhen he saw expediencie. Also he declared that he
visited such in the parish as were sicke, and presseth familie worshipe, and
as for himselfe, he had it alreadie set up in his familie ; quherunto he was
exhorted to continue, and no question he would find the benefitt of it. In
a word, he had nothing to haue him admonisht of for the present that he
could remember.

George Gordon in Colithy being sworne, vt supra, compeired, and de- Gordons testi-
clared in everie thing conforme to the aboue writtin, adding with all, that '"^"'*^-
he had a good populare gift of preaching, and was everie day growing in
it, for he applied himselfe to his booke more than befor, and was lesse given
to engadge in worldly businesse.

All the rest called, compeired, and declared themselves after the same The testimo-
maner, and also that he was diligent in the distributioun of the poores djers ^f the
money at some sett tymes of the yeare, according to their necessitie, and minister.

2c

202

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1651.

The minis-
ters testimo-
nie of the el-
ders.

Schooll-
masters cen-
sure.

Marquis
of Huntly
his consent to
the planta-
tioune of
Grange.
Stewart or-
dained.

was not behind any other in remembring them of his owne quhen he saw
expediencie.

The minister called, was grauely encouraged to the worke, with serious
intreatie to consider the weight of his calling, and to be earnest with God
for assistance and direction in it. In a word, that he should be carefull to
take paines, without medling with any other thing that might imped him,
and to be instant in prayer to that effect.

The elders remoued, were approven in their fidelitie and handholding to
discipline be the minister. He reported of them that some of them had
familie worshipe alreadie, and others were inclining unto it. Being called,
they were incouraged to farther diligence, and such as had begun to serue
the Lord in the familie, exhorted to proceed therin; and others that had not,
were wakened not to be behind the rest in that exercise, quherunto they and
theirs both were much concerned.

Mr. James Rany, schoollmaster being remoued, was reported of as one
quho waitted on upon the schooll, and that the bairnes profitted under
him, and, for any thing that they could perseiue in him, was honest and
Christian in his life and conversatioun. Compeirand, he was exhorted
to carie well, as a man of his calling, and to beware of any scandelous
walking. The presbytrie was glade for quhat they heard of him that he
[was] growing to the better.

This day my Lord Marquis of Huntly sent ane letter, giuing a full and
heartie consent to Mr. Alexander Ker that he shoulde be minister at the
kirke of Grange, quhen it pleased the presbytry to giue him admission
therto.

James Stewart, parochiner of Dumbennan, being summondit to answer
for his iterated fornications for these many yeares, together with Agnes
Watt, and also not without the suspicion of adulterie, being abefor maryed
to ane quho deserted him, and doth not know whither or not she be dead,
compeired and confessed the samen, submitting himselfe to obedience of
quhatsoever sentence of theirs should be enjoyned him. The brethren
being informed of their long abode togither, and that ther was sundrie
children begotten betuixt them, and that they could not be gotten separated,
ordained the said James to be making his repentance in sackcloathe at the
pillare foot of Dumbennan as ane adulterer, he separating himselfe from
haueing any companie or communione with the woman, under the paine of
sumraar excommunication if he should be found to transgresse untill the

1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 203

tyme of the meetting of the Synode in Elgine, in October nixt, quher he
was charged to be present, to attende quhat farther censure or punishment
that he should at that tyme be enjoyned be them ; and the minister of Dum-
bennan to report how he gaue obedience to the first part of this sentence
the nixt day. The said James did faythfullie promise to labour to giue
them obedience in all the particulares willingly, under the forsaid paine,
and to attend the Synode at the tyme appoynted be them.

The nixt meeting to be at Botarie, penultimo Julij, 1651, for visiting of Nixt meeting
the kirkes of Botarie and Ruthven, quher Mr. John Chalmer preaches, and ^* Botane.
Mr. James Gordon visits the sessione booke.

It is heirby ordained that ten hours in the morning be the ordinarie tyme
of meetting heirafter.

Att Botarie, penult Julij, 1651.

Conveined moderatour and brethren. Absent, Mr. William Kinnyn-
monthe, commissioner to the Generall Assemblie.

After incalling on the name of God, Mr. John Chalmer taught. Psalm
37, V. 34.

This day being appoynted for visiting the kirkes of Botarie and Ruthven,
Mr. Robert Jamesoune, minister, gaue in a list of the elders as followeth,
viz.: in the parisch of Botarie, Robert Gordon of Petlurge ; William Gordon
in Drumquhill ; Walter Spens in Bogforth ; James Sinclare in Broadland ;
John Young in Litle Petlurge ; William Broune in Smallburne ; Mr. Robert
Gordon in Botarie ; Alexander Innes of Romurrack ; Robert Jameson in
Davidstowne ; Thomas Robertson in Davidstowne ; William Leghtoune in
Wythillock; quho were all present except the Laird of Petlurge, quho was
not in the countrie for the tyme, John Younge and William Leghtowne, quho
were ordained to be reproued at the nixt session for their negligence therin,
the day being intimate unto them, and to be exhorted to remember their
dutie in tyme comraing. In the parishe of Ruthven, James Gordon of
Daach, John Gordon in Overhall, both absent, and to be rebuked ; Alexander
Gordon, at the Milne of Ruthven ; John Gordon in Mortlach ; Alexander
Innes in Haddo ; James Crukshank in Whythill ; James Duffe of Bade ;
John Hendrie in Tillietermont ; Alexander Crukshanke in Cumrie ; James
Robertsoune in Achindraine ; being all present, were solemnly sworne, with
uplifted hand, as in the sight of God, befor quhora they were to answer, to
declare faythfullie and honestly quhat they knew concerning their minister

204

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1651.

Mr. Robert
Gordon his
testimonie of
the minister.

his doctrine, life, and conversatioune, and discharging himselfe in his minis-
terial! dutie and calling amongst them. The minister and other elders
being remoued, Mr. Robert Gordon in Botarie, being exhorted to be
mindful! of his calling and oathe presently giuen, was deraandit first anent
the minister his conversatioune in the countrie quher he liued, and in his
familie, whither or no he gaue example of good unto others beside him
and not of evil! ; answered, that he liued Christianly, and was not scandel-
ous in his cariage any quher, and soberly eneughe bothe in his familie and
elsquher, and ussed publiclcely to dehort people from any excesse, and that
prayers and reading of scriptures in his familie everie morning and even-
ing, with singing of psalmes, and was careful!, by his frequent exhortations,
to cause others in the parisch to doe the samen. Being asked concerning his
doctrine, and how he thought the people might be edified be him ; answered,
midway well, and that his gift was (as he thought) dayly increasing with
him, being better now then it was for a long tyme befor, and that he gaue
himselfe verie much to reading, keipping home well and his booke, without
medling with any other things. Also, he declared that he ussed ordinariely
to speake home to the people, and that the errors of the tyme were not
forgotten be him to be refuted and spokne against in his sermons and pri-
vate conversing with his people ; in a word, he was a knowne enimie to all
poprie, malignancie, and sectarisme, and declared himselfe so in publicke
against them, that all might be made sensible of the evill and great hurt
that they might haue by any of them if they should rest themselues upon
the beleife of any such errors. Being asked how often he preached upon
the Lords day and quhen he lectured ; answered, that he preached twyce on
the Lords day in the summer tyme, in the fornoone in the one kirke and
in the afternoone at the other, and lectured usuallie quher he preached be-
for noone. Being asked how and quhen he did administer the sacraments ;
answered, he baptised usuallie after sermon, except upon some occasion, at
quhich tyme he used alwise some exhortatioune befor, grounded upon place
of scripture for the edifieing of the people ; and as for the Lords Supper,
it had not bein giuen thir two yeares past, but was now makeing diligent
preparatioune for it, and that he was about the giuing of it how soone he
might haue occasion to haue the elements in readines, without any farther
delay, and was examineing the people to that same effect. Being asked if
he ussed weekly lectures or catechising ; answered, he did lecture som-
tymes, but most frequently catechise, but especiallie about the tyme of

1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 205

glueing the sacrament of the Lords Supper. Being asked how he went on
in his discipline ; answered, that quhen faultes were dilated, he censured
them according to the order of the kirke, without partialitie, and did ex-
hort his elders to glue him assistance. Last of all, being asked whither he
had a care of the poore ; answered, that he had indeed, and that he ussed
to cause distribute such collections as were gathered for them at such tymes
as they were most needfull of it, and at some tymes of their greatest neces-
sitie, exhorted people to be more liberall, goeing before them himselfe in
that dutie. He had nothing to haue him admonished of.

Alexander Gordon at the Milne of Ruthven declared in omnibus ut supra^ Alexander

adding: with all, that he ussed ordinarily to keep the fasts at one kirke the p^mo" pis
® ' J r testimonie.

wholl day.

All the rest of the elders being called, gaue him the like testimonie, All the el-
affirming that he ussed to presse familie worshipe, and that it was begune ^?^^ testimo-
alredie in some families. They had nothing that they would haue him to
be admonisht of.

The minister being called, was encowraged to dutie and the attendance Censure,
of his ministrie, and exhorted to giue himself to reading, and to strenthen
himselfe in the Lord for such a great imployment, and to be diligent to
seeke him by prayer, being also applauded in quhat diligence they had
found in him.

The elderis being remoued, the minister reported of them that they ussed The minis-
to keep the session, and that they were constant hearers of the word, and ^^ report o
some of them had begun familie worshipe, but had need of a word of exhor-
tatioune to giue in dilatiounes, and to continue in their begun seruing of
God.

The elders being called, were exhorted earnestly to the feare of God, Their cen-
and that they should forgett their old wayes of vanite, and serue the liueing ^^^^'
God without scandelous conversation, or example of evill, and that they
wold remember their calling, and be diligent to admonish and dilate
scandelous faultes, and to giue their assistance to the censuering of such as
were delated to the gaineing of the delinquent and the terrour of others,
and last of all, that they should be carefull to promowe in and set up familie
worshipe.

Mr. John Redfurd reported, that he had preached at Grange, and had Grange,
found all the parochiners, let be heritors and elders, well satisfied with Mr.
Alexander Ker, quhom the presbytrie had sent to preach unto them, and

206 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651.

had found a full, cordiall, and unanimouse invitatioune unto the young man
to come and exercise the office of the ministrie amongst them.

Compeired George Adamsoune of Braco, James Gordon in Milegne,
Georg Geddes in Achinhuiffes, parochiners of Grange ; and haueing war-
rande from the whoU heritors, elders, tennents, and others of the forsaid
parisch, gaue in a supplicatioune de novo, regrating seriously the great
losse and want of the word amongst them : first, by the suspension ; nixt,
by the deprivatioune ; and lastly, be the death of Mr. Robert Watsoune,
their late minister, wishing this their hard case, quhilk they could not any
longer lye under, to be takne to heart, and perticuleraly nominating and
Ker admitted designing Mr. Alexander Ker, student in divinitie, to be their minister in
to Dre^ach"at ^^^ "*'^^' ^PP^^'Uding him in quhat they had heard, and resting confident
Grange. that he should be found sufficiently qualified to feed them with food con-
venient as a wise Stewart of God ; and last of all, earnestly entreating a call
unto him to preach the gospell amongst them quhen he might haue conveni-
encie or leasure from his other studies and tryalls, quhich they wisht to be
begun quam primum. This supplicatioune, being subscribed by Alex-
ander Ogilvie of Kempcairne ; John Innes of Edengight ; George Adam-
soune of Braco ; James Gordon in Millegne ; George Adamsoune of
Floores ; Alexander Adamsoune ; George Gedes, portioner of Auchin-
huife ; Thomas Wilsoune of Mostowne ; Adam Ruddach of Fortrie ;
Patrick Langmuire in Ballamure ; James Troupe, notare publick ; Wil-
liam Symme in Lymhillock ; George Livingstowne, portioner of Millegne ;
John Crysty in Crano ; "William Innes of Boige ; George Gordon of Croilett ;
William Gordon in Nether Milne ; Alexander Gray ; Robert Wilsoune ;
Adam Richardsoune ; John Dufie ; John Thomsoune ; William Gordon
Millegne ; Artur Forbes ; John Langmuir ; John Brabner, and others that
could not wreitt, did subscribe, by hand of the notare, James Troupe, in
great numbers, (the greatest part of all men in the parisch), was con-
sidered and publickly read, and, after serious consideratioune of the same,
togither also with the testificates of the said Mr. Alexander his cariage
and profitting in his studies in Alford and Aberdein, and the Marquis of
Huntly his consent unto him ; haueing also heard the younge man them-
selues with not small contentment, the brethren did therfor homologate the
forsaid parochiners of Grange in this their free and cordiall nomination
of the said Mr. Alexander to the ministrie amongst them, granting unto
the parochiners quhat they did desire to be done in all their supplicatioun,

1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 207

and ordained the said Mr. Alexander Ker to enter his tryall at Rynie
the nixt day of meetting, with ane populare sermon, giueing him that
place of the 1st epistle to the Corinthians, 2d chap., 2d verse, to be
his text ; the words, For I have determined^ etc. And with all, au-
thorised him with power to preach the word, at the forsaid kirk of
Grange, quhenever he had occasion or vacancie from his other studies
and poyntis of tryall. All quhich was intimat unto the Commissioners
of the [ .]

At Rynie, 1 3th Augusti, 1651.

Conveined the moderatour and brethren ; after incalling the name of
God, Mr. Alexander Ker taught, 1st Cor. 2, v. 2. His travells allowed.

Mr. William Kinnymonth, commissioner, being now returned from the
Assemblie, ther was none absent this day saue Mr. Robert Irving only,
quho was excused be reason of his age and the distance of the place.

This being appoynted for the visitatioune of the kirke, Mr. George Chal-
mer, minister, gaue in a list of the elders of Rynie and Essie promiscue, as
followeth, viz. : Sir William Gordon of Lesmore ; Hughe Gordon in
Rynie ; John Walker in Myttess ; Thomas Black in Boggancloch ; Robert
Glennie in Essie; William Browne in Nothe ; Alexander Gordon of Mer-
drum ; George Anderson of Miltowne ; Thomas Duncan ther ; Patrick
Mair at the Milne of Lesmoire ; James Wilson in Gulburne ; quho being
all sworne to declare as in the sight of God faythfullie and honestly quhat
they knew concerning their minister, his doctrine, life, and conversation,
and the exercise of his wholl ministeriall function amongst them ; the mi-
nister and rest of the elders being remoued. Sir William Gordoune of Les- Lesmores
more declared as followeth, viz. : Being asked concerning his behaviour in testimonie.
private, and exemplarines to good and christian cariage amongst the people ;
answered, he knew nothing to the contrarie, but that he was discreet and
honest in his cariage as it did become a man of his place, and in his familie,
devout, giuen to prayer and reading, as al=o to attention in his calling as ther
was necessitie. He prayed twyce a day in public, and was carfull that no
scandelous person should abide with him, provockeing everie on of them
both by his example and exhortatiounes to the feare of God. Againe, being
asked quher he preaches, when, and how often, and if to the edificatioune
of the people, and against the evils of the tyme ; answered, he preached at
one kirke all the Sabothe day, preached twyce, and lectured befor the ser-

208 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651.

mon in the forenoone, alwise delivering (as himselfe judged) orthodoxe
doctrine, meeting with maUgnancie and sectarianisme as the text gave
occasion to refute them, and to stirre up the people to lye still or suffer
themselues to fall in the snare of eyther of them, and did declare him-
selfe pleased with the publicke resolutions of this kirke and kingdome in
the prosecution of the work of God. Being asked quhen and how he
did administer the sacramentis ; answered, that he baptised ordinarily
after sermon, befor the pronounceing of the blessing, except upon some
speciall, at quhich tyme ther was a congregatioune of people, and some
place of scripture explained before the action constantly ; as for the
other sacrament, it was publickly celebrated the yeare bygonne, and that
he was prepareing his people for it now againe. Being asked quhat
he did in the weeklie time ; answered, that he ussed oftest to examine
the people ; and as for lecturing, the people could not be gotten drawne
to conveene unto it at the appoynted tyme, and that he bathe a verie
good way of stirring up the affections of the people both in preaching
and lecturing, so that for himselfe he was satisfied with him. Being
asked how he ussed to censure faultes ; answered, that ther was no defect
in him, bot that he set himselfe whollie in the spirit of meeknes for the
curbing of sinne, equallie censuring all, without partialitie, according to
their measure of guiltines that was found in everie one. Being asked
whether he pressed familie worshipe publickely and in private, visited
the sicke, and was carefuU of the poore ; answered, he did indeed, and
had prevailled so farre that some families were beginning to make them-
selues acquaint with God in their families, and prayers euerie morning
and evening. That he visited the sicke, quhen sent for, and had some
set tymes for distributeing the poores collections ; and quhen ther was
great necessitie, exhorted to greater liberalitie then ordinarie, going befor
others himselfe in the way of good example. Being asked if ther was
any thing quherof he would have him admonischt ; answered, that ther
was nothinge that he could speake of, but that he wisht him to be
exhorted to forbid excessiue drinking used of some of the elders them-
selves, and especiallie at the Moore upon the market day ; and that he
was doeing quhat he could therin, bot could not get it restrained. Lastly,
being asked whither or no ther was any land in that parisch that was
giuen away (as is commonly said) to the goodman, and used not to be
laboured ; answered, it was reported to him that ther [was] some of that

1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 209

in his owne maines, hot that he had a mynd, be the assistance of God, to
cause labour the samen ; quherupon he was commended for his ingenuitie
in declareing it, and exhorted to take paines shortly to haue it laboured.

The minister called, was encouraged to the worke, and exhorted to Censure,
continue instant with God, and to giue himselfe unto his studies more and
more, mynding that great depositum that the Lord had committed unto
him, and that he would seriously apply himselfe therunto, as he was doeing
in euerie thing ; only they desired him that he would be carefull to restraine
drunkennes.

The elders being remoued, the minister declared that the sessioune was Elders report-
not well keepped by some of them, and that because they would not follow ^^ *'^-
him from their owne parisch kirk. Moreover, that some of them were
giuen to tipling and drinkeing, quhom he had alreadie admonisht, but in
vaine as yet. Also, he regrated that the weekly lectures could not be
gotten keepped, quhich he had begun, hot was forced to leave of againe
for want of hearers to heare him. It was ordained that the tipling elders,
after once or twyce admonisht, should be rejected.

The elders called, were grauely rebuked for their negligence in their Censured,
dutie, and such of them as were faythfull indeed, were exhorted to be the
more vigilant, because of that. They were exhorted also to beware of
drinking, and to be ane example of excesse and debosherie unto them
quhom they should be willing to goe befor in the way of sobrietie and
pietie. They were also exhorted to be more earnest and frequent in
seeking of God in their families, and acquainting themselues with his
word, quhen they might haue occasion of it.

Mr. William Watsone, schoolmaster, being remoued, was called a tipler Schoolmaster
and idle speaker some tymes, but was carefull eneughe of the bairnes, and ^^^ censure,
did take paines upon them for their educatioune. He was admonisht for
the tyme, and exhorted to amendment ; otherwise to be remoued.

This day, Mr. William Kinnynmonth reported that the Assemblie Declaratioune
had emitted a declaratioune, quhich, how soon it came to their hands, ^^ ^^ '■^''^■
euerie brother was ordained to cause read the samen, within the con-
gregatioune, upon the Lords day, at the closure of the worshipe in the
fornoone.

Also, the said Mr. William desired that tryall should be made whither
any souldiers had bein takine up to the leavies one the Lords day, within
the severall parisches, and to report ; as also, if ther be any expectants,

2 D

210

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1651.

William
Gordon to be
summondit.

paedagogs, or schoolmasters, disafected to the publick resolutiounes of the
kirke for the tyme, that they might be censured.

Mr. William Jamesoune did also report, that he had spoken with William
Gordon in Avachy, anent his affection to the religion, and disposition to
take the Covenant, and fand him, for all that he could perceiue in him,
inclyning therto. Notwithstanding, the brethren, not being satisfied ther-
with, doe heirby ordaine both his master and him to be summondit to the
next day.

Contraversie
injoyned.

Gordon in

Avachie

ordained.

At Botarie, 26th Augusti, 1651.

Mr. Alexander Kerr lectured upon Jeremiah 12. His travells allowed.
He is ordained to haue a contraversie for his nixt tryall, viz. : De vocatione
ministrorum, or any part of it that he shall thinke fittest, against this day
monethe, both exegesis and dispute, if things fall not out contrarie to ex-
pectatioune to hinder the samen, and that he deliver his theses tymously
eight dayes befor hand.

William Gordon in Avachie, being summondit, compeired, and, after
conference with him, is ordained to subscribe the Covenant, League and
Covenant, etc., or to be remoued from the parisch and place he Hues in, and
from haueing any attendance or hand in the educatioune of children, and
the minister to report his diligence therin.

At Glasse, 10th September, 1651.
Conveined the brethren. Absent, Mr. John Redfurd. Moderator, Mr.
Robert Irving.

The name of God was incalled. No preaching this day, in respect altho
the preacher was present and readie, hauing receiued tymous advertisment,
yet the Marquis of Huntlys people being in the countrie, and the enemie
vehemently feared to be verie neir hand, ther was none in the parisch that
came to heare the samen.
Visitatioune of The visitatioune of the kirke of Glasse was delayed for this yeare, and of
the kirks sus- g^\\ other kirkes, in respect people were now so busied in the harvest tyme
that ther was exceeding great slackness amongst them in attending such
mettings.

John Andersoune of Westertowne, parochiner of Botrifnie, compeired
this day, earnestly entreating a preaching in that desolate congregatioune,
that they might haue the occasione of a sessioune in like maner, for taking

pended for this
yeare.

Botrifnie sup-
plied with a
preaching.

1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 211

order with the great enormities that were beginning to encrease amongst
them throuofhe the want of restraint and correction. Mr. Geore^e Meldrum
was ordained to goe unto them [ ] come eight days, and to

report his diligence the nixt day of meetting.

Compeired John Gordon of Beldornie, parochiner of Glasse, and, after Beldomie
that he was seriouslie entreated to ingenuitie for clearing himselfe of the ordained,
slander of incest that was lying on him, did persist in his former denying
the samen. He was ordained to goe befor sundrie congregatiounes, that, in
presens of the wholl people quher the scandell was vrgent, he might giue
a Christian declaratioune of his innocencie therintill, and that on a day of
publicke fasting appoynted for the purpose, according to the referre of the
late Synode at Forres, and that he should begin at his owne parische kirke
the nixt Lords day, quher the minister is appoynted to keeppe ane fast for
praying the Lord that the treuthe may be gotten cleared, and to report his
diligence therin the nixt day of meetting. The said John Gordon also is
summondit, apud acta, to compeir the nixt day, to attende the farther
orders of the presbytry that should be then enjoyned him. All quhiche he
promised to obey.

Everie brother that was present reported that the fast ordained be the Fast obserued
Generall Assemblie to be kept the last of August, had come to ther hands, present,

[the causes quheroff were, 1 . The not considering the just hand of God
against the land for the abounding of sin. 2. The negligent use of the
Lords plenteous and pure ordinances. 3. The base preferring of mens
selues to the things of Christ, even by the ministrie. 4. The obstinacie of
some in adhereing to such evills as the Lord is discovering to be the wicked-
nes of the enemie. And, lastly, the odious and hatfull fighting against the
Lord, by adding sin to sin, thoughe we be lying in the fornace of Gods
correction for these things alreadie], and that they had obserued it in due
tyme, within their severall congregatiounes.

The said day, Mr. William Jamesoune reported that William Gordon William
in Avachy had sought the perusall of the negative Confession and Co- 9°^^ P" '"
venant, and League and Covenant, resolueing to read and consider the
same, without prejudice, as he was exhorted ; and that he had promised to
giue his determinat answer whether or no he would take the samen, and
conforme himselfe throughly unto the profession and practise of religion
with this kirke and kingdome, against the nixt Sabothe day, quhich was
his faythfull promise to the said Mr. William.

212

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1651.

Patersoune.

Crukshanke
reported to
preach at
Huntlv.

At Botarie, 24th Septembris, 1651.

This day, John Patersoune, ane incestuous person, quho lines within
the parisch of Dumbennand, gaue in a supplicatioune to be absolued, ex-
pressing some sense of guiltines by reason of the sin and provocatioune of
the Lord against him, and the wholl land quher he lined, in a highe
maner, unlesse it were repented for; alledging also, that he had stood
aboue a yeare and half, in sackcloathe, at the kirke of Dumbennand,
quhenever he could haue the occasion of a sermon, and constantly without
intermission since the entrie of the minister. The brethren not perceiuing
the man suflBciently peirced as yet with unfained greife and remorse of
heart in relation to such ane abominable filthines, nor yet acquainted with
the treuthe of his allegiance of such a progresse alreadie made in the way
of repentence for so long a tyme, did ordaine him to continue therin till he
should be better weighted with it, and the mater better knowne to them-
selues, against the nixt day of meetting ; at quhich time, if he did come
befor them as a true penitent, and evidenced any soundness in repentence,
they wold ordaine him to be absolued, if it were found that he had satisfied
the former ordinances.

It was reportit this day, by some, that one Mr. John Crukshanke,
quho had bein this long tyme bygon a scandelous person, and ane associat
of James Grahame, in his rebellion, had fallen in of late within the
parisch of Dumbennan, in the house of Huntly, and ther had preached
publickly in the familie, the last Lords day, in the audience of my Lord
Marquis himselfe and his Lady, and that, the sermon being ended, he
went out into the Rawes, and filled himselfe beastly full, as his maner is, so
giueing great scandell by his badde conversatioune in these places of the
countrie. The minister being enquired of the treuthe theroff", answered,
he had never heard of the said Mr. John ; that he had bein a residenter
with them till that same morneing, at quhich tyme also he heard a surmise
amongst them that he was about to give my Lord a sermon that day. The
minister was ordained to try the mater, and to report against the nixt
meetting.

At the Synode at Elgin, October 7th, 1651.
The last halfe yeares proceidings of this book wer revised and obserued
therin a young man ordained for the first part of his tryelles to the
ministrie, to haue a popular sermon at a visitatioune of a kirk. The As-

1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 213

semblie ordaines this practise to be foreborne. Item, Observed therin two
brethren excused for absence from the presbyterie, and the reason insert
not relevant. Item, Two kirks visited, and the sessione bookes not sein.
The Assemblie ordaines these bookes to be verified. In caeteris approven.
Mr. Robert Tod, clerk to the Assemblie.

At Botarie, 29th Octobris, 1651.
Compeired James Gordon, in Merdrum, (being summondit out of pulpit Gordon in
by the minister of Rynie, as was ordained the last day of meeting), and Merdrum
being humbled, in sackcloathe, was accussed of quadrilaps in fornicatioune,
deserting his repentance, contempt of the session at Rynie, drunkennes, re-
lapsing into rebellion with James Grahame, and the setting lightly of his
father and his admonitiounes. Confessed all (as it seemed), being somquhat
sensible of his exceeding great guiltines in everie on of the forsaid particu-
lares. The brethren, takeing the mater to their serious thoughts, and
being willing to gaine the man, ordained him to be rebuked, and exhorted
to a Christian cariage, and that he should abstaine from such fearfull acts of
impietie as he respected the glory of God and the good of his owne soull ;
quhich was accordingly performed by the moderator. In the meane tyme,
the said James was ordained to satisfie the discipline of Rynie, in sack-
cloath, thrie quarters of a yeare, for purgeing away the long continued
scandell of his former ill spent life, in maner aboue written ; and the minis-
ter to report his cariage therin, as he was to be answerable ; quhich being
intimate to him by the moderatour, promised obedience therunto in everie
thing according to his abilitie, and was dismissed with ane serious exhorta-
tioun to repentance.

At Botarie, 19th Novembris, 1651.
The said day, James Broune, parochiner of Kinore, compeired and gaue Browne to be
in a supplicatioune to be receiued and absolued, since he had stoode in ^bsolued.
sackclothe, according to the ordinance, aboue halfe a yeare, and was desir-
ous to repent for that fearfull sin of adulterie (that he had committed) all
the dayes of his life, being sorie at the heart that he had greiued the Spirit
of God in such a maner, and giuen cause of offence unto the people. The
minister being inquired anent his satisfactioune, answered, he had expressed
some sort of remorse, hot that he was not so fullie humbled as he could
wish or as were necessarie. Quherupon the bretheren, taking the mater to

214

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1651.

Fiddes.

Gordon in
Avachy.

The edict for
planting of
Grange to be
published.

their serious thoughts, and perceiueing the man weighted according to his
knowledo-e, ordained him to be seriously dealt with, and absolued the nixt
day, quhen it should please God the minister should be at Kinore, and
exhorted the said James to deall with the Lord for mercie by prayer.

At Botarie, 3d Decembris, 1651.

Mr. William Jamesoune reported that he had intimate the sentence of
the Synode against James Fiddes in the congregatioune, and had required
him to giue obedience, under paine of excommunicatioun. As also, that
William Gordoune, servant to Avachy, was not in the way of giueing
obedience to the ordinances, eyther of Synode or Presbytrie, since now he
had deserted the publick worshipe ; quherupon he had intimat the act that
he should not be resett within the parisch, under paine of processing.

Other things were omitted this day, in respect of the danger that was to
be feared in respect of the continuall approche of the English ; and therefor,
Mr. Alexander Ker being ordained to defende his theses, December 24,
and to make readie for the questionarie triall and languadges, the meetting
was clossed with prayer.

At Botarie, 24th Decembris, 1651.
Conveined Mr. Robert Jamesoune, moderator ; Mr. William Kinnin-
monthe ; Mr. George Meldrum ; and Mr. William Jamesoune ; hot in
respect ther was not a competent number for acting this day, the waters
being impassible, ther was no sederunt nor doctrine ; albeit Mr. Alexander
Ker was also present, and readie to haue sustained the dispute and to haue
undergone his other trialls that were enjoy ned him the last day, quherfor
the meetting was delayed till the thirty-first Decembris, according to the
maner and custome in former tymes in such cases. Only that the planta-
tioune of the churche of Grange might be hastened, since the people were
desirous, and the enormities in that parisch many, throughe want of a
minister to take order that they should be repressed, and that God should
be glorified amongst, it was thought expedient by all that were present
that after sermon Mr. Alexander Ker himselfe should cause James Troupe,
notare publicke, publishe ane edict, (being subscribed be the moderator,)
and giue ane indorsatioune accordingly, requireing all and everie on that
had any thing to object against Mr. Alexander Ker, either in doctrine or
conversatioune, or convenient qualificatioun for the ministrie of Grange,

1652.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 215

that they should doe the samen at the first frequent meeting of the pres-
bytry, otherwise that they would get no heareing ; and the said Mr.
Alexander is to carie the paper alonge with him, and to returne the
indorsatioune.

At Botarie, 31st Decembris, 1651.
The said day, the storrae being great, and the countrie exceedingly Grange to be
troubled with the Englishe, ther was no conventioune of the brethren, the P'^"*^^-
moderator, clerk, and Mr. Alexander Ker, only being present. Quherfor
the moderator, being loathe to delay the forsaid plantatioune, and to keeppe
the younge [man] in suspense any longer, did resolue to aduertise all the
brethren to keeppe the seventhe of January, at Botarie, for the dispute and
other tryalls, and calling of the edict, (quhich was this day returned in-
dorsed be the said Mr. Alexander) ; and upon the morrow therafter to
keeppe at Grange, for the admissioune of him to the ministrie of the place,
quher the moderator himselfe resolued to preache, and then proceed unto
the admission, in the ordinarie way ; of the quhich resolutioune and dyett
the said Mr. Alexander was to giue notice to the parochiners of Grange,
that they might conveine to the effect forsaid.

At Botarie, 7th Januarij, 1652.
Convened the moderator and remanent brethren. Absent, Mr. John Tryalls
Redfurd, Mr. Robert Irving, Mr. James Gordon ; and Mr. George Chal- approven.
mer excused be his letter. The brethren present proceeded to the dispute
and tryall of Mr. Alexander' Ker, by some theologicall and chronologicall •

questiones and language. The name of God being incalled, and the said
Mr. Alexander remoued, was approuen in the part of his tryalls that he
had undergone, and sustained presently. Also, he was well thought of,
and applauded in all and euerie particulare tryall in relatioune to the mi-
nistrie of Grange, so that, unanimously and with full consent, he was de-
clared capable of the samen. The edict also that was returned the last day, Grange to be

execut and indorsed by James Troupe, mcssinger, and in testimonie theroff planted. The

• . . edict called,

sealled and subscribed by him, requiring all heritors, wedsetters, and

quhatsomever other parochiners that had any thing to object against Mr.

Alexander Ker his doctrine, life, or conversatioune, or due qualificatioune

for the ministrie at the forsaid kirke of Grange, being called and none com-

peirand in his contrare, it was unanimously resolued upon and concluded

216

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1652.

Gordon in
Avachy and
Fiddes their
obstinacie re-
grated with
approbation.

Stewart
ordained to
renue his
testificate.

Roger Hastie

his declara-
tioune and
undertaking.

that, according to the moderator his resolutioune and advise to the brethren
in the aduertisement sent unto them for the keepping of this dayes meetting,
that all the brethren present should keeppe Grange to-morrow, eight Janu-
arij, for the admissioune of the said Mr. Alexander to the charge forsaid,
the parochiners being alreadie acquainted with the dyett, as Mr. Alexander
himselfe did report.

The said day, Mr. William Jamesoune regrated William Gordon, ser-
vant to Avachy, his obstinacie and obdurednes in his course, that now he
had avowedly taken against the hearing of the word, and against conforme-
ing himselfe to the reformed religioune and joyneing to the Covenant, so
that he could heare nothing from him bot ill talke quhen he talked with him
anent these particulares, and since the tyme was dangerous, and the people
amongst quhom he was fallen not so plyable as he could wish, he expected
that the brethren would not take it ill albeit he should not proceed against
either the said William or James Fiddes in such stricknes as was enjoyned
him abefor both be synode and presbytery. The brethren, taking the mater
to their consideration, and perceiueing the treuthe of quhat was spokne in
the said Mr. William his regrate, thought fitt (till the Lord should send
better tymes) that he should deall with Avachy and the parochiners of
Dumbennan, to grant their assistance for the caussing of the forsaids per-
sounes giue their obedience or then to remoue them from their places, and
the said Mr. William to report his diligence.

John Stewart, parochiner of Botrifnie, compeired, desireing mariage
with a woman in the forsaid parische, and, being required, presented a tes-
tificate from Neilstoune kirke, quher he and his forbeares had lined from a
verie longe tyme (as he affirmed), bot so unformall and unworthy of any
man that bore the name of a minister, that the brethren could in no wise
credit the samen, but supposed it to be bot fained. Quherfor the said John
was ordained to goe back with expedition to the forsaid place for a new
testimoniall more worthy of credit ; and, in the meane tyme, was ordained
not to converse with the woman quhom he intended to marie, under the
paine of processing, quhich he promised to doe.

Roger Hastie, parochiner of Keithe, compeired, desireing mariage of a
woman in the forsaid parische, and being demanded concerning a testificate
from Irland, quher he had resided of late, as he alleadged, answered in-
genuouslie that he had brought none over with him from thence, being
forced to omitt it throughe the troubles of the countrie, but was able to

1652.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 217

giue his oathe, and qualifie otherwise, that he was nether maried as yet, nor
scandelous in his cariage in the place quher he had lined. The brethren,
taking the mater to their serious consideratioune, and understanding by the
minister at Keithe that he lived Christianly since he had his abode within
his parische (quhich was about sixteen weeks or therby), thought fitt to put
him to ane Christian declaratioune of the realitie of quhat he had alleadged
presently, and that he should bring witnesses with him against the nixt day
of meetting, that were credible men, if he could find such in the countrie
to do the like. Quherupon the said Roger did declare, as a Christian, that
he was free from any bond to any woman, in reference to mariage, and
promised to bring with him such as could testifie the samen against the next
dyett.

At Grange, 8th Januarij, 1652.
Conveined the moderator and brethrene present at Botarie the day pre- Ker's admis-
ceiding, and haueing appoynted this day for admitting of Mr. Alexander ^^""® ^^
Ker to the ministrie of the kirke of Grange, quho had giuen sufficient
proofFe of his literature and qualificatioune for the samen in_his privat tryalls,
and quho had the full consent of the parochiners, none compeiring to his
contrare after that his edict was serued and indorsed, as is aboue written ;
Mr. Robert Jamesoune preached, Matthew 10, v. 16, 17, and after exhor-
tatioune, the said Mr. Alexander was admitted to the ministrie of the forsaid
kirke of Grange, be incalling the name of God, and impositioune of hands,
according to the order of the kirke, and power being granted unto him to
preach the gospell, administrat the sacraments, and to exercise discipline
as a minister of Jesus Christ within the forsaid parische, he gaue his oathe
of fidelitie in his charge, subscribed League and Covenant, and promised
obedience to the lawfull constitutiounis of the Kirke of Scotland, and to be
subject to his brethren, quho therupon gaue him the right hand of fellow-
shipe, and the said Mr. Alexander was gladly accepted of the parochiners,
being frequently conveined to that efiect.

At Botarie, 28th Januarij, 1652.
George Hamiltounc, parochiner of Keithe, compeired, and haueing the Hastie his
report of a well liucing Christian of Mr. William Kinninmonthe ther Sood report
minister, being demanded anent him, did declare upon the word and honestie
of a Christian, that he haueing conversed with Roger Hastie in Irland, and

2 E

218

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1652.

beino- verie inwardly acquainted with him as belonging unto him by kinred,
that he was a free man, unmarried, and without scandell in his life, but that
he liued still in his trade as a man of good esteem. Quherupon the breth-
ren, haueing receiued this testimonie, delayed to giue their answer till the
fuller meetting of the presbytery.

Eupheme
Adamsoune
her supplica-
tioune an-
swered.

Hastie to be
maried.

Commissioners
directed to the
Marquis of
Huntly, for re-
moueall of ex-
communicants,
and payment
of the minis-
ters within his
bounds.

At Botarie, 11th Februarij, 1652.

Eupheme Adamsoune her suppiicatioune being againe that day presented
by Mr. Alexander Watson, her sonne, in her name, desyreing the donatioune
of the wholl stipende of Grange, of the yeare 1651, be way of charitie,
quherby she might be helped in her widowhood, and her fatherlesse children
supplied, that they might be brought up in the feare of God; it was takne
to heart, and the young man presenter theroff remoued, the mater was de-
bated, and at last the viccrage stipende of the forsaid yeare was ordained to
be made forthcoming for the use of the supplicant, the teind siluer and
victuall being being reserued for the use of the present minister, and the
act ordained to be extracted.

The brethren present the last day haueing giuen notice of George Hamil-
toune, parochiner of Keith, his testimonie in Roger Hastie his bussinesse,
the brethren were well pleased therwith ; only that the mater should not be
smothered, it was appoynted that the said Roger should testifie so much of
himselfe, by oathe, at Keithe, and then after that he is to be maried.

The said day, the fowre ministers of the Lordshipe of Strathbogie re-
grated the want of payment of their stipends thir two yeares bygone, all of
them, and some thrie yeares,' quherthrough they were verie much prejudged
in the meanes of their subsistence at the forsaid kirkes, so that they were
necessitate to desire ane act of transportatioune to be conceived in their
favours. The brethren taking this regrate to their consideratioune, and
being certified of the realitie theroff, and calling to mynd a report that was
goeing through the countrie that the Marquis of Huntly had receiued some
excommunicat personnes as his speciall servants within the house, contrarie
to his oathe and subscription, they thought fitt to direct Mr. John Red-
furd and Mr. William Kinninmonthe, invested with ample power and com-
mission from them, to put his Lordship in mynde of his oathe, and exhort
him, in the name of God, to remoue all the scandelous persounes out of
the familie ; and that his Lordship would be pleased to frequent the place
of publicke worshipe quhen he might haue occasion of the samen, causing

1652.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 219

his Lady doe the like ; and to deall with him anent the ministers that had
regrated their case, that their stipends might be payed unto them, with all
possible diligence, quherthroughe they might be incouraged to attende
their charges ; and the saids commissioners to returne his Lordshipes
answer to the nixt meetting, and ordaines thir presentis to be extracted
for their warrande.

At Botarie, 3d Martii, 1652.

Mr. George Meldrum delivered the contraversie against the Inde- Common head
pendents, in defence of Presbyteriall governement. delivered and

The name of God being incalled, and the said Mr. George remoued, he PP^°^^"*
was verie well thought of, and applauded in quhat he had delivered, and
was encouraged to continue in his studies, in expectation of the blessing.

Mr. William Jamesoune reported, that he had preached at Botrifnie, Botrifnie sup-
according to the ordinance. P^^^^-

The said day, the seuerall brethren present reported, that they had excommunf
intimate the excommunicatioune of John M'Gummon. tion intimate.

Mr. John Redfurd, one of them that had gone in commission to the The Commis-
Marquis of Huntly, being required to deliver the answer that they had T'^"i°Tvr"^ ■
received of his Lordship in the severall particulares of their commission Huntly, their
befor mentioned, did reply, that they could haue no accesse to his Lordship answer, and
personallie, the gattes being clossed, so that it behoued them to intimate resolutioune
the particulares to his Lordship by letter ; quherunto was returned under his thernpon.
Lordships hand that he would stande to his oathe, bot spoke nothinge of the
remoueall of the excommunicat persons, or payment of his ministers. The
brethren thought fitt (upon this ungratious returne) to remitt [to] the care
of the nixt ensuing Synode, being confident of their brotherly assistance
in this case.

At Botarie, 24th March, 1652.

Mr. William Jamesoune did also report, that he had dealt with Avachy, Gordon oi
and did only find him enclined to put away William Gordon, his servant, Avachy.
how soon he could haue occasion of one to wait upon his children, in his
rowme, quhich he hopped should be verie soon. Quherupon the said Mr.
William was ordained to proceed in processe against him, if he should
make further daliance in the businesse.

The said day, the brethren present taking to their consideratioune the

220

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1652.

Irish boy not referre anent the furnishing of ane Irish boy, did so regrate their owne
furnishit, and conditioune in thir dangerous tymes, that it was not possible for them to
^ ^ ■ get it done at this tyme, and expected that the brethren of the province

would in no wise impute it as ane oversight in them, the relevancie of the

exception being rightly considered.

At the Synode at [ ], the 6th of April, 1652.

The last halfe yeares proceidings of this book wer revised and examined.
Their was found therin twa particulares, quherin they had informallie and
vnwarrantablie proceidit. 1. One day, no sederunt, yit ane ordinance was
past for serueing ane edict to ane indefinite day, for admissione of a young
man to a kirk, his tryelles not being completed. 2. Another day, the
moderator and dark onlie present, it is recorded the moderator resolues to
preach on a certain day, for admissione of a young man to the ministrie.
In caeteris approven. Mr. Robert Tod, Clerk to the Assemblie.

At Botarie, 28th Apryl, 1652.
Restand The said day, came a letter from Mr. Jhon Row, together with a compt

papers. ^^ ^^ restand publick papers. The matter is recommended to the severall

brethren, to be thought on.

At Botarie, May 3, 1652.

Conventioune. The moderatour and brethren being occasionallie met, for choosing

some commissioners to goe to Murray (as the moderatour of the province

his letter desyred), ther to meet with other brethren of the rest of the

presbytries, for sending some commissioners to Edinburgh against the

twelfth of May, to speak with the dissatisfied brethren anent the setling of

the church in peace and union amongst themselves ; after incalling of the

name of God, the presbytrie listed Mr. William Kinninmonth, Mr. John

Meldrum and Reidfurd, and Mr. George Meldrum, who being remoued, Mr. John Reid-

Reidfuird ^^^^ ^^^ ]y[j.^ George Meldrum were chosen and invested with power from

Commission- , , . , ,t. <> • i

ers. the presbytrie to the eiiect lorsaid.

At Botarie, May 26, 1652.
Anent the plantatioune of the church of Botriffhey, compeired Alexander
Duff, commissionat from the said pariochin, requyring ane answer to the
" ^ ' supplicatioune given in to the presbytrie for Mr. Villiam Chalmer, minister

Supplicatioun
from BotritF-

1652.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 221

at Knockandoh, it being declared by some of tbe brethren who had receiued
letters from the said Mr. Villiam, that he would not in any termes em-
brace the charge, the presbytrie desyred the commissioner to think upon it,
and get his full answer against the next day.

At Botarie, Jun 9.

Mr. Villiam Jameson reported that Jhon Gordon of Avachie had removed Avachie obey-
Villiam Gordon, the popish schoolmaster. '"»•

Mr. Robert Jamison came about the sitting^ doune of the meeting, and Jamison ex-
his absence from the doctrine was excused, be reason he declared he was ^"^^ "
attending upon the Marquis of Huntlie to get his stipend.

Compeired Jhon Anderson of Westertowne, Villiam M' Person of Drum-
more, Arthur Stewart, etc., pariochiners of Botriffney, commissionate from
that pariochin, and passing from their former supplicatioune given in for
Mr. Villiam Chalmer, because he declared himselfe unwilling to come, gave
in a new supplicatioune for Mr. James Petrie, schoolmaster at Baniff, to be Supplication
their minister. The presbytrie, finding their procedour to be abrupt (seeing ^'°'' P^^^rie.
the young man had never preached befor the people of that pariochin, nor
yet the brethren of the presbytrie,) and inconsistent with the Acts of the
Generall Assemblie, gave back the supplicatioune, and resolved to call the
young man to preach before the presbytrie, and therafter to send a minister
to Botriffney to mak a formall norainatioune ther.

This day came a letter from the Commission of the Kirk, desyring pres- Commission
bytries to send their commissioners to the Generall Assemblie to be held at sett.
Edinburgh the third Wedinsday of July year instant, and to bring such
annueties as was resting by the presbytrie to the clerks of the Assemblie.

Anent the vacand stipend of Botriffney, Mr. George Chalmer, minister Vacand Sti-
at Rynie, having represented the great losse he had by burning of his penji of Bo-
house and best part of his plenishing, quhich mad him unable to pay his posed of.
proportioune of the horse levy raised by the ministrie for the publick service
of the kingdome ; as also, that, in regard his stipend was not payed, he
was not in capacitie to reaedifie his house, did supplicate the presbytrie for
the forsaid vacand stipend. Lykwyse, Mr. Alexander Fraser, late minister
at Botriffney, representing his great necessitie and charges he had been at
in setling the stipend of the forsaid church, did supplicat also for the for-
said vacand stipend. The presbytrie, taking both their cases into consider-
atioune, and being certified of their necessities, did ordaine the stipend of

222

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1652.

Convenit.

Doctrine ap-
prover!

Gordons de-
clinator and
excommunica-
tioune.

anno 1651 to be aequallie divyded betwixt them, and gaue them power for
the uplifting of the same.

con-

At Gartly, Jun. ultimo, 1652.

After incalling of the name of God, the raoderatour and brethren
veined.

The said day, Mr. James Petrie preached upon Psalm 17, verse ultimo.
The presbytrie were weill satisfied, and did permitt him to preach at Bo-
triffhey, upon the call of the pariochiners.

William Gordon, pariochiner of Dumbennan, compeiring, gave in a de-
clinatour, with many false, lying, scandalous reproaches against the Kirk of
Scotland, and government theroff, the tenour quherof foUowes : " I vnder-
scryber, of the pariochin of Dumbennan, and Presbytrie of Strathbogye,
having, by manie and sundrie sad experiences, found the manie bloodie and
barbarous inconveniences quhich hav alvayes accompanied the Presbyterian
o-overnment by their usurpatioune, and mixed auctorite with the civill power,
and tyrannous persecuting of mens consciences who, out of tender scruples,
did differe from their opinions in matters indifferent and circumstantiall ;
also, finding that the greatest part of their prayer and preaching doth

as

Commissioners
chosen.

more tender the advancment of their private interest and factioune then
the propagatioune of the gospell ; and seeing their frequent railing against
the auctoritie and civill power which God hath set over us, quherby the
peoples mynds ar keeped unsetled and averse from the cordiall compliance
and union of both nations, quhich, by God's great mercie, we ar now lyk
to enjoy. For thes reasons, I doe therfor declare that I neither will nor
can continue a member of the Presbytrie of Strathbogye, and that I shall
no mor esteeme of their excommunicatioune than thei did formerly of the
Pope, but intend, God willing, to live in such a gospell way as the Lord
hath dispensed in his sacred word, and not occasion any disturbance to this
present government of the commonwealth of Great Brittan. And, to tes-
tifie this solem separatioune, I have subscribit thir presentis with my hand.
William Gordon." The presbytrie, haveing read and considered the paper,
how malitious and invective it was against the servants and government of
Christs church, did ordaine Mr. Villiam Jamison to excommunicate the
said Villiam quam jwimum ; quhilk sentence beeing intimate to him, he
lookit veric frowardly, and uttered himself most proudly and malitiously.
The said day, Mr. Jhon Chalmer, Mr. Villiam Kinninraonth, and Mr.

1652.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 223

Jhon Reidfurd beeing listed, after their removing, the presbytrie choose the
said Mr. Villiam and Mr. Jhon Reidfurd to be commissioners unto the
Generall Assemblie ensueing. The Laird of Kempkairne and Rothemay
being listed, Alexander Ogilvie of Kempkairne was chosen ruling elder.

The fast appoynted by the Provinciall Assemblie, for the sins and judg- Fast.
ments of the tyme, was ordained to be keeped, July eleventh, by all the
congregatiouns of the presbytrie.

At Botarie, July 12, 1652.
Mr. James Gordon produced this day the particular compt of the restand Compt pro-
publict papers, and it was recommended to the^ severall brethren to think duced.
upon payment of them.

At Botarie, August 4, 1652.

After invocatioune of the name of God, the spekers being severallie re- Doctrine cen-
moued, and the brethrens judgments concerning the doctrine beeing asked, ^u'"^'^'
they were approven, only Mr. Robert Irving was admonished of some
things, and desyred to stryve against his inarticulat expression.

The said day, Mr. George Chalmer was appoynted to goe to Botritfney BotrifFney sup-
and preach, and after sermon to desyr the pariochiners to nominat and elect P
a man for the ministrie of that place.

The said day, it was represented by Mr. Alexander Ker to the presby- Avachie de-
trie, that Jhon Gordon of Avachie, upon a Sabbath day befor the sunne ^*^*
set, went through the pariochin of Grange, and other pariochins of the
presbytrie, with a great company of horse and litters, towards Murray, for
bringing along of a milstone. The presbytrie, taking the matter to their
consideratioune, ordained Mr. Villiam Jamison to try the matter, and to
cause suramond Avachie to the presbytrie.

Sicklyk, Mr. Robert Irving represented to the presbytrie that Lord Lord Oliphant
Oliphant was begunne to decline to poperie, dishant ordinances, and fre- apostatizing.
quent the companie of on James Con, ane excommunicate papist. The
presbitrie desyred him to cause cite the said Lord Oliphant befor the ses-
sioun of Inverkeithnie, and to mak report.

At Botarie, August 25, 1652.

It being found that Jhon Gordon, pariochiner of Dumbennan, was not as Ordinance

anent Go
renewed.

yet excommunicate, in respect of difficulties, the minister reported he did *"'^"* Gordon

224 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1652.

meet with [ ]. The ordinance was renewed, and the minister

ordained to report against the nixt day.
Duft" to be The said day, Mr. VilUam Jamison declared that ther was a murder

summoned. committed by ViUiam DufF, pariochiner of Keith, at a pennie brydall in
the pariochin of Kinor, as was alledged, the said Villiam being drunk. The
presbytrie ordained Mr. Villiam Jamison, minister at Kinor, to try the
matter and report it against the nixt day, and Mr. Villiam Kininmonth to
cause summond the said Villiam DufF.

The said day, the commissioners returned from the Generall Assemblie
were present, and the brethren appoynted to meet September third, -pro re
nata, to get ane accompt of their diligence, seeing the day by this was farre
spent. The ordinar day of meeting to be September fifteenth. Mr. Jhon
Chalmer to handle a common place of divinitie. The meeting closed with
prayer.

At Botarie, September 3, 1652.

Commissioners Conveined moderatour and brethren, and, after invocatioune of the name

Report. ^j£ God, the commissioners gave in their diligence, and the judgment of the

presbytrie theranent referred to the nixt day, until the presbytrie should be
more full ; three of the brethren, Mr. George Chalmer, Mr. James Gor-
doun, and Mr. Robert Irving, being absent.

Fast to be The said day, presented by the commissioners causes of a fast appoynted

^^P^ ' to be keeped the second and third Sabbathes of September: 1. For the

great contempt of the gospell ; 2. Not looking to the hand that smiteth us ;
3. Covenant-breaking in day of calamitie ; 4. For Sions breaches and ex-
posure to foxes ; 5. For departure from the true doctrine, separatioune
from the communion and government of the church of Christ in the land ;
6. For the oppositioune made by the royall familie and other eminent fami-
lies to the work of God amongst us; 7. For the sins of the ministrie.

Acts of the Presented also, the Presbyteriall Acts of the late Generall Assemblie,

Assemblie to quhich were recommended to Mr. Jhon Chalmer to cause transscrybe them,
ho trd-nscriuGQ*

that euery on of the brethren might have a coppie of them. The meeting

closed with prayer.

At Botarie, September 15, 1652.
Commissioners The said day, the brethren sent to the Generall Assemblie were appro-
approven. ^^^ ^^ faithfuU and vigilant in the trust committed to them.

1652.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 225

Mr. Jhon Reidfurd having regrated that the Ladie Kinardie was relapsed
to poperie, notwithstanding her former seeming to have forsaken it, and
embraced the true doctrine of Christ, the presbytrie appoynted Mr. Wil-
liam Kinninmonth, Mr. James Gordon, and Mr. George Meldrum, to
goe and speak hir, and see quhat they could effectuate by exhortatioune and
admonitiouncj befor the presbytrie entered in processe with hir. Vpon the Lady Rothe-
lyk regrate also from Mr. James Gordon, concerning the young Ladie "^^y*
Rothemay, the presbytrie appoynted the said commissioners to speak hir
in the way, and to report against the nixt day.

The said day, ther having come a letter from the presbytrie of Aber- Answer to the
lour, anent the tryall of some brethren vpon scandelous speaches alleadged Presbytrie of
to have been uttered by Mr. Villiam Watson, minister at [ ], and

heard by them, the presbytrie appoynted the moderatour, seeing he was
the alleadged bearer of the speaches, to wryt ane answer to the presbytrie
of Aberlour, and declare what he knew anent the said Mr. Villiam.

The presbytrie (as it was appoynted by the last Provincial Assemblie) Meldrum's
this day did enquyre at Mr. George Meldrum, minister at Glass, his Judgment
judgment anent the constitution of the General Assemblie holden at St. Generall As-
Andrews, and continued at Dundie, anno 1651. Answered, he was not semblie.
resolued for the tyme either to allow or disallow of it ; and any scruple he
had anent the constitutioune of the said Assemblie he said out so farre as
he could, not to giue any scandall by venting himselfe in publict of it.

At Botarie, October 27th, 1652.
The brethren sent from the presbytrie to speak the Ladie Rothemay, Commissioners
younger, and the Ladie Kinardie, anent their falling away to poperie, ^'"j-^^^^ ^'""
reported, that the Lady Rothemay promised to communicate hir scruples themay, their
to hir owne minister, and to conferre with him ; and that the Lady Kinardie ''^po'"**
was obstinate, declaring hirselfe to be none of our church, and shee
would neither hear hirselfe nor suffer hir daughters to heare ; professing,
moreover, that shee repented of her former repentance more than of anie
sinne that ever shee committed, and thought that shee had reason to repent
all hir lyfe time for subscryving the Nationall Covenant and Solemne
League and Covenant. They reported also, that Janet Williamson and
Janet Knows, two professed papists, were kept by the said Ladie, within
the familie, contrare to hir husbands mynd. It was ordained that shee

2 F

226 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1652.

should be smnmonded against the nixt day, to answer for hir perjurie and
apostacie ; and recommended to Mr. Jhon Reidfurd to proceed against
the two women, and mak report to the presbytrie.
Henderson in ViUiara Henderson, parochiner in Abercherdour, formerlie ordained to
Abercherder. ^^ somequhat more summarly excommunicate, compeired in sackloth,
humblie begging with teares that the former ordinance might be repealed.
The presbytrie, upon his ministers declaratioune that he was more seriously
affected with his sinnes, and had shewed greater evidences of his re-
pentance since the last day, ordained him to compeir befor the session of
Marnoch, to quhom he was referred to be censured, according to the acts
of the Generall Assemblie theranent.
Leith of Mr. Jhon Chalmer reported, that Alexander Leith of Bucharne being

Bucharne. proclaimed pro 1"' with Elizabeth Jhonston, pariochiner of Kineller thair,
Robert Gordon of Colythie made public interruption, in his daughter
Anna Gordons name, quhom the said Alexander had formerlie defloured,
alledging a praecontract with the said Anna. This matter being referred
by the session to the presbytrie, they ordained that ther should be a tyme
praefixed to the said Robert to make out his alledgiance befor the civill
judge, and the processe till then to be stopped.
Hannah's sup- The said day, Mr. George Hannah, sometyme minister at Avas, pre-
plicatioune sented a supplicatioune, earnestly desyring the presbytrie would tak to
heart his poore and distressed conditioune for the tyme, and give him some
supplie out of the vacand stipend of Botriffney. The presbytrie, being as-
sured of his necessitie by a letter from the Presbytrie of Elgin, in quhich
he lived for the present, disposed to him, and for the supplie of his poore
family, the just halfe of the stipend of the forsaid place, anno 1652, and
gave him the whole power to uplift the samen.
Reid, school- The said day, compeired Mr. James Reid, nominated and elected be the
master. session of Grange to be schoolmaster ther, and having produced famous

testimonie of his literature and Christian conversatioune under the hands
of the members of the Presbytrie of Old Aberdein, the presbytrie ap-
proved the electioune, and, for his tryal, praescryved him the 3d od., lib. 4,
Herat., to expone and explaine grammaticallie, logicallie, and rhaetoricallie.

At Botarie, November 17, 1652.
The goodwyfe of Carneborrovv and hir daughters, summoned to hear and

1652.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 227

see themselues decerned to be excommunicat, were called, and not com- Goodwyfe of

peirinff, ordained to be excommunicat, notwithstanding, for grave considera- Carnborrow to
r o^ . r. 1 "^ excommu-

tions, it was thought fit that the pronouncing of the sentence against the nicat,

two young women might be waved for a space till further advisement.

Mr. Jhon Chalmer reported he went to Botriffney and preached, but Botriftney.
nothing was done anent the nominatioune of a minister to that charge, in
respect the most considerable men of the pariochiners and elders were ab-
sent that day. The presbytrie ordained the moderatour to goe, betuixt this
and the nixt dyet of the presbytrie, and requyre them to nominate and elect
a minister, with certificatioune, if they failed, that the presbytrie would goe
on to plant the church.

The said day. Lord Oliphant, beeing summonded for apostacie to poperie Lord OHphant
and keeping companie with excommunicat papists, was called but compeired summoned 2o-
not, therefore ordained to be summonded pro 2"-

The said day, the brethren beeing asked anent their thoughts of provyd- Theologie
ing a theologie bursar to send in to attend the profession of theologie in ""^^^'' chosen.
Aberdein, they did unanimously pitch upon Mr. Alexander Garden, sone
to Mr. George Garden, minister at Clat, and, after the sight of famous
testimonialls from the Presbytrie of Old Aberdein, quher the said Mr-
Alexander was laureat, did nominate and present him to the said burse for
the space of four yeares, and recommended also the moderatour to wryt to
the Presbytrie of Elgin, who were conjunct in the said burse, to obtaine
their joint assent to the said electioune.

Compeired also Peter Meldrum, sometyme of Iden, excommunicate for Meldrum of
beeing accessorie to the slaughter of Villiara Crichtoune, desyring earnestly ^^^^ supplica-
to be relaxed from that sad sentence, professing the aequitie of the sentence,
and his great sorrow for beeing so long cut off from the Lords people ; pro-
duced also, for the presbytries warrand, testimonials of his civill and honest
outvard conversatioune, under the hands of diverse ministers of the places
quher he had his residence. Moreover, a testimoniall, under some mi-
nisters hands that were Commissioners to the Assemblie at Dundie, anno
1651, witnessing that he was referred by the said Assemblie to the Pres-
byterie of Strathbogye. The brethren taking the premisses to their con-
sideratioune, resolved to accept of thes testimonials as relevant, seeing
through iniquitie oftyme the referrs of the said AssembUe could not be had,
and appointed the moderator, Mr. James Gordon, and Mr. John Reidfurd,
to meet at Rothemay, on Moonday next, and to conferr with the said Peter,

228 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1652.

to sie quhat sense of sinne and evidences of repentance they fand in him, to

mak report the next day.
Gregorie or- Compeired also Jhon Gregorie [ ], being summond for a quad-

dained. ruple in fornicatioune, and being accused, confessed the same. The Pres-

byterie, not seeing answerable sorrow for his sinne, but rather hardnes of

heart and impaenitence, ordained him to be more summarlie excommunicated

according to the act of the Generall Asserablie.

At Botarie, December 8, 1652.
Conveined the moderator and remanent brethren, and after invocatioune
of the name of God, Mr. Villiam Burnet susteined his theses upon that
question, An ecclesia possit errare. The said Mr. Villiam being removed,
was approven. Mr. Jhon Reidfuird and Mr. Robert Irvine absent.

The said Mr. Villiam Jamison produced a list of all the parents names
who had anie children at schoole with Villiam Gordon, excommunicat papist ;
and having summonded thes that were within his owne pariochin, they were
called, only Villiam Browne compeired, who, being accused for keeping his
Sonne with ane excommunicat papist, to be trained up, confessed his guylti-
nesse, and, professing he did it out of ignorance, promised to tak him away,
prlmo quoque tempore, from that schoole. The presbyterie having sharply
rebuked him, accepted of his said promise, and ordained the rest that com-
peired not, viz. : [ ] to be summoned against the next
day ; and thes parents who had children with the said Villiam Gordon, and
were without the bounds of the Presbyterie, ther ministers to be advertised
to processe them untill they took avay their children from that schoole.
Carneborrow. Goodwyfe of Carneborrow not excommunicat, because the minister had
not gotten the extract of the former ordinance, quhich he thought expedient
to have besyde him before he pronunced the sentence. The ordinance re-
newed, and the minister ordained to tak the extract of the act along with
him befor he depart.
Lady Rothe- Anent the Lady Rothemay, Mr. James reported shee was gone to dwell
™ay- in Aberdein.

The said day it was reported that Normand Lyd was returned to Bo-
triffney, and was recept by Jhon Ogilvie. It was ordained that the said
Ogilvie to be Jhon should be summond befor the presbytrie for the recept of a scandelous
summond. fugitive.

Compeired Villiam Duif in Keith, and affirmed he had ane act of assoyl-

1653.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 229

ment for his casuall slaughter from thes that had the civill power for the
tyme; and, moreover, ane absolutioune from the parties injured. The
presbytrie ordained him to bring thes along with him the next day, and
summoned him, apud acta, to compeir January fifth.

Mr. Jhon Chalmer reported that Alexander Leith and Elizabeth Jhon-
stone were married by on Mr. Nicoll Black, in the pariochin of Kineller.
He was ordained to wryt to Mr. Jhon Mercer of the said place, and try out
the mater more fuUie, and whether the said Mr. Nicoll were an actuall mi-
nister, and to processe the said Alexander Leith euer until he produced ane
sufficient testimoniall from the minister and elders of the place wher he was
married.

Mr. Villiam Kininmonth reported that he went to Botriffney, according Electioune of
to the ordinance, and preached, and after sermon did hold ane session, and P®*"®-
having requyred the elders to nominate and elect ane minister, that they did
unanimously elect and choose Mr. James Petrie, schoolmaster at Bamff, to
be their minister, as the extract of the act of their session, that day pro-
duced by their commissioners, Jhon Anderson of Westertoune and Villiam
M'Ferson of Drummoor, at more length proports. The presbytrie, taking
the praemisses to their consideratioune, did approve the nominatioune, but
finding no testimonie of the bodie of the people their approbatioune of the
said electioune past in the session, therefor ordained Mr. George Chalmer
to goe the nixt Sabbath to Botriffney and intimate the electioune to the
whole pariochiners, and requyre them to testifie their mynd theranent by
their commissioners to the presbytrie the nixt day.

Compeired William Brebiner, parochiner of Grange, desyring to be Brebiner and
married with Margaret Rosse, pariochiner of Ruthven, a papist. The pres- ^osse.
bytrie, upon ane testimonie under the ministers and elders hands of Ruthven,
that the said Margaret was not scandalous, and had lately begun to hear
the word, ordained the said Margret to renounce and abjure pubhctly all
the heads of poperie contained in the Nationall Covenant befor the con-
gregatioune of Grange, and the minister of the place therafter to cause
proclaime their bands.

At Botarie, January 5th, 1653.
Mr. Jhon Reidfuird reports that the lady Kinardie is gone to Edin- Lady Kinar-
brugh. The processe waved till her return. ^'®-

Compeired Villiam Duff in Keith, and produced ane act of assoylment from Duff ordained.

230 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1653.

thes that were in civil power for the tyme, exempting him from anie civill
punishment ; moreover, ane absolutioune from the freinds of the woman killed ;
yit, notvithstanding of all that was produced, the presbytrie finding the
scandall still to remaine, ordained him, for purging away the scandall, to
compeir in sackcloth befor the congregatioune of Dumbennan, quher the
scandal was given, and ther to testifie his sorrow for his sinne.
Some parioch- Mr. George Chalmer reported he went to Botriffney and preached, and
tr^ev dis"- ^^^^ sermon, haveing intimate the nominatioune and electioune of Mr.
assenting. James Petrie, be the session, to the whole congregatioune, and desyred all
that did dissassent therfrom to come to the session and declare theraselues,
that the session being conveined, some gentlemen of the pariochin and raanie
of the bodie [of the] people testified ther dissassent from the nominatioune
of the said Mr. James, alledging his voyce to be low and his gift not aedi-
fieing. Compeired also Walter Lesley, sonne to [ ] Leslie of

Bommiekellach, praetending a commission from the bodie of the people, and
presented a paper to the eff'ect forsaid. The presbyterie finding the pa-
riochiners to be differing amongst themselves about the electioune, resolved to
meet at Botriffney, February second, for settling of the matter, and examina-
tioune of the reasons of the disassenting partie ; and for the more fazable
effectuating of the business, appointed the said Mr. James Petrie to preach
ther both befor presbytrie and pariochin, and Mr. Alexander Ker to inti-
mate the presbytries meeting ther befor the forsaid day of February.

At Botriff"ney, February 2, 1653.

Conveined moderator and remanent brethren. Mr. Robert Irving only
absent. Mr. James Petrie preached >on Col. 3, v. 1.

After invocatioune of the name of God, the presbytrie being mett to
search and examine the reasons of the disassenting partie of the pariochiners,
did, by their officiar, lawfullie and publictly requyr all that did disassent
from the nominatioune of Mr. James Petrie to come in to the presbytrie,
and ther give in ther reasons. After they were thryce publictly desyred to
present themselves, compeired only Alexander Naughtie and Adam Leslie,
sonne to Bommakellach, and sonne-in-law to Mr. Alexander Fraser, late
minister at Botriffney, and some others of Bommakellachs tennants, who
testified ther disassent to the forsaid electioune ; and being asked of ther
reasons, the said Alexander Naughtie alledged some frivolous things, of
quhich Mr. James Petrie did vindicate himselfe to the satisfactioune both

1653.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 231

of the presbytrie and accuser. The said Adam Leslie being asked his
reasons, answered, he had them not in readinesse, but should, both in his
owne and others name, present them the next day. The presbytrie, finding
nothing quhich could hinder their procedour in admitting the said Mr.
James to his tryals for the ministrie ther, resolued to proceed with the said
Mr. James ; but because the presbytrie was to meet at Gartlie the next
day for visitatioune of that church, and that all scruple against the said
Mr. James might be taken avay, resolued not to enter him on tryall befor
the next presbyteriall meeting, but to delay till then ; and charged, apud
acta, all that had anie scruple or reason against the said Mr. James, to
compeir the nixt day, and give in their reasons ; with certificatioun, if they
keeped not the next dyet, the presbytrie would enter the said Mr. James to
his tryals for that charge.

At Gartlie, February 16, 1653.

The said day, Robert Gordon of Colythie gaue in a bill of slander upon Bill of Gordon
Alexander Leith of Bucharne, compleaning that the said Alexander should ^<"?'^"
have said, in a publict taverne, that the said Robert was drunk in [ ]

Gordon of Cocklarachies house, and should have vomited such ane hudge
quan title that he drown a bitch whelps therwyth. The said Alexander
beeing summonded to this day by the session, who hath referred the cog-
noscing of the bill to the presbytrie, was called, and compeiring, confessed
he spok the words, but that he heard them of another. He was ordained
to present the nixt day his author befor the presbytrie, or else to be holden
for the slanderer himselfe.

Sicklyk, compeired Mr. James Kennedie in Gibstoune, and Margret Bill, Kennedie
Ogstoune, his spouse, and gave in a bill of complaint upon James Petrie ^^o"^';"
and Janet Mawer, pariochiners of Dumbennane, that the said parties, upon
twenty-third Januari, being the Sabbath day, should have come drunk to
the said Mr. James his house at Gibstoune, and alledging that he had
slandered them with a shirt quhich was stollen from on of his servants, the
said James did imperiously command the compleaner to ryse from his chaire
and mak the words of the alledged slander good, othervayes he should put
ane durk in him, and did call him base lyar in his throate, haveing all this
tyme ane long durk by his syd halfe drawne out ; and that the said Janet
should Jiave called his wyfe, Margret Ogstoune, base whore, drunkard,
thieef-faced bitch, English jade, landlooper, queane, etc. etc.^ as the tenor of

232 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1653.

the bill more fullie proports. This bill being also referred from the session
of Kinor to the presbytrie, and the said James Petrie and Janet Mawer
summonded to be present this day, wer called, and not compeiring, ordained
to be summonded pro 2°- ; and Mr. James Kennedie to have his witnesses
in readinesse against the next day.

The said day, Adam Lesly, sonne to [ ] Lesly of Bommakellach,

and the pariochiners of Botriffney, who promised to giue in their reasons of
dissassent from Mr. James Petries electioune, were called, and none
compeiring, the presbytrie resolved, after so long delay, to enter the said
Mr. James to his tryals, yet, upon some new consideratiouns, and expecting
still a more unanimous call, delayed the matter till the nixt day, and de-
syred the said Mr. James to be present for that effect.

Lord Oliphant The said day. Lord Oliphant summoned for poperie, called, compeired

summond 3"- ^^^^ ordained to be summonded pro 3°-

At Botarie, March 9, 1653.

The said day, James Petrie and Janet Mawer being summonded, wer
called, and compeiring, were accused upon the whole poynts of the bill given
in by Mr. James Kennedie and Margret Ogstoune, but they denyed them
all, onlie confessed that they come upon a Sabbath day to the said Mr.
James his house to enquyr if the said James had (as they heard reported)
said that they stoll away a shirt from ane of his servants. James Petrie
also confessed that the said Mr. James Kennedie had said thes words, and
slandered him with theft, he should be alyk with him, though he were the
Marquesse of Huntlies brother.

The witnesses summond for probatioune of the bill were George Knight,
Jhon Wilson, and Thomas Stichell. The former two were admitted by
the said James Petrie and Janet Mawer, the third declined, because the
said Thomas, as they alledged, was a conjunct eventer of the slander with
the said Mr. James, and because they had given in ane bill upon the said
Thomas, as another abefor to the session of Kinoir. Mr. Villiam Jamisone
[being asked] if James Petrie and Janet Mawer had given in ane bill, as
they afifirmed, to their session, answered, he was not cleare in the
poynt for the tyme, but promised to extract the act of the session, and
bring it along with him the nixt day. The presbytrie referred anie
further examinatiounes of the said James Petrie his reasones agauist
Thomas Stitchell untill the next day, that the act of the session of Kinor

1653.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 233

theranent wer seine, and proceeded to tak the depositioune of the tuo wit-
nesses admitted.

The said George Knight and Jhon Wilson being suorne, and desyred to Knight de-
declare, as in the sight of God, the truth of the matters, deponed as fol- po™ng.
lowes, viz. : Jhon Wilson being removed, George Knight deponed, 1 .
That he thought both James Petrie and Janet Mawer were in drink that
Sabbath they came to Mr. James Kennedies house. 2"- That the said
James had a durk by his syd, and had his hand on it, but drew it not.
3"- That Janet Mawer called Margret Ogstoune, spouse to Mr. James
Kennedie, drunken beast, landlopper, and bitch. 4°- That the said James
called the said Mr. James a lyar in his face, and uttered manie fearfull
oathes. 5"- That he imperiously commanded the said Mr. James to ryse
from his chaire, and mak good his speeches, otherwayes he would put ane
durke in him.

Suchlyke, Jhon Wilson beeing called in, and George Knight removed, Wilson de-
deponed that the whole businesse twixt the forsaid parties beeing ended poning-
befor he was a spectator, he heard onlie Janet Malwer calling either Mar-
gret Ogstoune or hir servant woman (he knew not whether of them) by the
tytles of landlopper and quean, and manie other opprobrious speeches.
Being asked if he saw a durk by the said James Petries syd, or if he or
Janet Mawer were drunk, or if they suear, or if the said James called the
said Mr. James a lyar in his face, answered to thes particulars negatively.

The said day, the aboue mentioned James Petrie and Janet Mawer gaue Bill upon
in a bill of complaint upon Mr. James Kennedie and Margret Ogstoune, Kennedie.
his spouse, shewing that, upon the forsaid day, January twenty-third, the
said James Petrie and Janet Mawer having come to ask Mr. James Ken-
nedie if he or his wyfe had called them the thief of the sark that they wanted,
that the said Mr. James took Janet Mawer and violentlie hurled hir to the
door, to the crushing almost of all hir bones, and that the said Margret
Ogstoune called Janet Mawer a drunken jade. Moreover, that the said
Mr. James should have said to Jhon Birnie, postmaster in Aberdein, that
James Petrie was as great ane theife as went twixt halter and rop. The
presbytrie, taking this bill in consideratioune, appoynted Mr. James Ken-
nedie to be summonded against the next day, and ordained James Petrie
and Janet Mawer to mak good the poynt of their bill by witnesse, and gave
order to the church officiar of Kinor to summond witnesses at the com-
pleaners instance.

2 G

234

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1653.

Jhonston. The said day, James Jhonston and Margret Nicolson, pariochiners in

Abercherder, being summond for a mocking of the ordinance of marriage,
in cumming with ane English pyper, called [ ],

and joyning hands in the church of Aberchedour, and proclaiming them-
selues married persons and wilfullie cohabiting ever since, contrarie to the
ordinance of the session, were called, and compeired the said James Jhon-
stoune, and being ordained to separate and put away that whore from him,
answered he would not, shee was his lawfullie married wyfe, but protested
against the presbytries procedour with them, and appealed to the Synod of
Murray, to whose censure he promised to subject himselfe, and the reasons
of his appeal promised to giue in befor next day.

Irving ex-
cused.

Fraseris sup-
plication.

Petrie.

Jhonstons ap-
pellation.

At Botarie, March 23, 1653.

The said day, Mr. Villiam Burnet having past through all the poynts of
his tryals according to the acts of the Generall Assemblie, and having given
the presbytrie full satisfactioune, was licentiate to preach the word of God
publickly, and authorized to exercise his gift as occasion should offer, and
exhorted to seek to God by prayer for increase of his gifts and sanctifica-
tioune of them, that he might be ane instrument to doe God service, as they
should call him.

Mr. Robert Irvings long absence was excused because of his old age and
the winter, and desyred to keepe the presbytrie himself, or at least be his offi-
ciar, that anie processe brought to the presbytrie might uninterruptedly go on.

The said day, no report of the goodwyfe of Carneborrow and hir
daughters, in respect Mr. George Meldrum was absent.

Anent Mr. Alexander Fraser, late minister at Botriffney, his supplica-
tion for the halfe of the vacant stipend of Botriffiiey, anno 1652, the
presbytery being informed by a letter from the pariochiners of the forsaid
place that the shirreff of Aberdein had summoned them to mak an accompt
of all the stipendis since the said Mr. Alexander his depositioune, ther-
for thai resolved yit to delay his answer, and to advyse vith the synod anent
questions of that nature.

The said day, Mr. James Petrie being present, was desyred to enter
upon his tryals in relatioun to the kirk of Botriffney, answered, he was not
cleare to giue the presbytrie ane answer for the tyme, but promised to giue
his answer against the next day.

The said day, James Jhonstoune, pariochiner of Abercherder, gaue in

1653.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 235

ane appellatioune under his hand from the presbytrie to the Synod of
Murray, bearing thes reasons. 1 . Because he had giuen up his banns of
marriage. 2"- That he was thryce proclaimed; and, 3"- had set suirtie
that the testimonials quhich were suspect by the session of Abercherder to
be forged, should be found famous. 4°- Because the church part of marriage
was but a cereraonie, parties consent being the substance.

Mr. Alexander Ker this day reported, that according to the referre of Gilles.
the Provinciall Assembly, he had censured the parents that presented their
children to be baptised, and persons that presented themselues to be married
by [ ] Gilles, a praetended minister, and had baptized the children

and married the persons according to the ordinances. Only tuo praetended
to be married by the said Gilles, lately come from the pariochin of Keith to
the pariochin of Grange, not censured, quhora the presbytrie ordained the
said Mr. Alexander to censure and marrie with all diligence.

This day having come a letter from the Commission of the Kirk anent Letters from

keeping of a fast, and the dissenting brethren their deserting of the meet- . f "?|"'^"

ing, and conference for unitie, were presented. Causes of a solemne fast Kirk, and

and humiliatioune to be keeped the last Sabbath of March, and first of causes of a

'■ Fast.

Aprill :

1. For the sinnes formerhe mentioned in other humiliatiounes.

2. The continuance of the Lords rod, notwithstanding the former humi-
liatiounes.

3. The grouth of sinne of all sorts, particularly pryd, uncleannesse, con-
tempt of ordinances, oppression, violence, fraudulent dealing.

4. The hightening and encreasing of the wofuU diflferences of the tyme.

5. The manie sad encroachments upon the libertie of the kingdome of
Christ.

6. The general distemper upon the spirits of all men euerie on seeking
himselfe.

The said day, the brethren being severallie removed, were examined, and
nothing found rebukable, only Mr. Robert Irving was admonished to keep
the presbytery better now in the summer tyme, and to provyde ane helper
by the presbyteries adyce, which he promised to doe with all convenient
diligence.

At Botarie, Apryl 27, 1653.

Mr. John Reidfurd advertisd the presbytrie of the Ladie Kinardie hir Gordon, Ladie

Kmardie.

236

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1653.

KnoUis,
Hebron, and
Williamson.

Avachie cen-
sured.

Harper ad-
mitted to the

Jonston and
Nicolson to be
excommunicat.

Stewart.

returne from Edinburgh. He was ordaind to cause sumond her to the next
day, for her apostasie to poperie.

Sicklyk, the said Mr. John Reidfurd delated Janet Knollis, Agnes He-
bron, and Janet Williamson for poperie. Ordained to sumond them to the
next day.

Compeired John Gordon of Avachie, and confessed that he had trans-
gressed in travailing on the Sabbath day with horse, going for a milston.
Referred to the session of Kinor for censure.

Mr. James Petrie was admitted to his try alls in relation to the church of
Botrifnie, he having declared his willingnes to the same, and was ordained
to have the addition the next day.

The said day, Mr. William Harper, an expectand, haveing latelie come
to the presbytrie, produced testimonials of his abilities and Christian car-
riage from the Presbytries of Kincairn and Deer, and desireing to enter
on the exercise, it was granted to him, and he was ordained to exercise the
next day on the ordinarie place.

The said day, James Johnston and Margrat Nicolson, in Abercherder,
were ordained to be excommunicat for the abuse and contempt of the ordi-
nance of marriage, for wilfull and obstinat cohabitation in whoordoom,
against admonitions from session and presbytrie, and for his appealing from
the presbytrie to the synod, and then passing from it.

The said day, William Stewart, parochiner of Ruthven, being referred
from the session for hewing doun the publict place of repentance, for pley-
ing on the Sabbath, for drunkenness, for braking vp on Andro Grays door
on the night, and vaunting of vncleannes ; of which he confessed the hewing
doun of the place of repentance, pleying on the Sabbath, and drunkennes.
Was sumonded, ajmd acta, to compeir the next meeting day, till mor sould
be tryed out against him.

Couts of

At Botarie, 11th May, 1653.
The said day, Mr. George Meldrum wes ordained to excommunicat

Cairnborrow, jjgjen Couts, goodwife of Cairnborrow, and her daughters, Catharin, Mary,
communicat. and Jean Gordons, according to the former ordmance, as he wold ansueir

to the presbytrie, and the day before he pronounced the sentence to intimat

he was to do the same.
Leith. The said day, Mr. John Chalmer reported that Alexander Leith of

Bucharn had promisd to him to com with his testimoniall to the presbytrie,

1653.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 237

but seing he had not compeird, the said Mr. John was ordaind to processe
him if he bring it not the next meeting day.

Sicklyk, the said Alexander Leith being sumonded to this day, to pre- Leith.
sent his author for slandering George Gordon in Colythie, compeird not,
but sent a letter, under Mr. Robert Cheyn his hand, shewing his author for
quhat he spoke, the tenour quherof follows : " Reverend and deir brother,
these ar showing yow that Hew Morise hes com befor Alexander Forbes
of Culquharrie, Robert Muir, Walter Rosse, and me, and confessed that he
said that he hade publictlie spoke that Collithie had spued as much as wold
have dround two whelps, and sail giue his informer quhen he sail be posed,
which is all he hes for the tyme, who is your loveing brother, subscribitiir,
Mr. Robert Cheyne. Kenethmont, 11th Maij, 1653." The presbytrie
finding the said Alexander had given his author, as he was appoynted, and
the said author of his wes nocht in the bounds of the presbytrie, the
brethren acquiesced in the former declaration.

The said day, Patrik Lord Oliphant being sumonded pro 3"- for poperie, Oliphant.
compeird not. Wes ordaind to heir and communicat, etc., vnder the pain
of excommunicatioun.

At Botarie, 25th May, 1653.

Mr. John Reidfurd reported that Dame Ehzabeth Gordon, Ladie Kin- Gordon of
ardie, was not sumonded to this day, according to the ordinance of the Kinardie.
presbytrie, and that in respect the officer who sould have sumonded her was
sick. The ordinance was renewed.

Mr. Robert Irving reported that he had intimat to Patrik Lord OHphant Oliphant con-
the former decreet of the presbytrie against him, who, not compeiring to tumax.
give obedience, was declared contumax, and the minister ordained to go on
with the processe against him.

Sicklyk, according to the referre of the synod anent processing the Ladie Ladie Rothie-
Rothemay, younger, for poperie, Mr. James Gordon was ordained to go ^^^^'
speak with her, and get her answeir anent her affection to the reformed re-
ligion, and to mak report the nixt day of meeting.

Mr. James Gordon regrated that Georg Preist and Christian Kellis, tuo Preist and

of his parochiners, had upbraided him with sufferino^ ther child to die want- kellis to be

1 • • 1 • 1 • T 1 • 1 .1- 1. 1 . <. sumonded.

mg baptisme, cursemg him bitterlie, abusmg and railmg on him to his face.

Ordained to cause sumond them to the next presbytrie day to answeir for

the said faults.

238

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1653.

Couts of
Cairnborrow
and her eldest
daughter ex-
communicat.

Ladie Kinar-
die.

Avachie re-
cea^ed.

Oliphant.

Preist and
Kelles cen-
sured.

Charles sup-
plicating to be
relaxed.

At Botarie, June 8, 1653.

Conveend moderator and remanent brethren. Absent, Mr. William
Kinenmont, at the Commission of the Church ; also, Mr. George Chalmer.
Mr. James Petrie lectured on Jerem. 23. The said day, Gods name
being incalled, the speiker removed, and his doctrine sifted, the most part
of the brethren were not satisfied.

Reported also the said Mr. Georg Meldrum, that according to the or-
dinance of the presbytrie, he had excommunicat Helen Couts of Cairnbor-
row, and her daughter, Katharin Gordon ; the excoramunicatioun to be
intimat in the severall congregatiounes of the presbytrie. As for the
other tuo daughters, Mary and Jean Gordons, the on being valetudi-
narie, and the other without the bounds of the presbytrie, the sentence
was continued.

Dame Elizabeth Gordon, Ladie Kinardie, being summonded to this day,
called, compeird not, ordained to be sumonded pro 3"-

Mr. William Jameson reported that John Gordon of Avachie had satis-
fied ther session as he was appoynted, and was receaved.

Mr. Robert Irving reported he had given the first admonition to
Patrik Lord Oliphant, apostat to poperie. Ordained to go on in the
processe.

Compeard Georg Preist and Christan Kellies, parochiners of Rothemay,
and being accused for vpbraiding ther minister for letting ther child die
vnbaptized, for their cursing him, and railing on him, etc. ; and being dealt
with, wer brought to a confession and acknowledgment of ther miscarriages
towards him, submitting themselves to any censure the presbytrie sould
impose vpon them. The moderator haveing sharpelie rebuked them, and
laboured to make them sensible of their ignorance anent the absolute ne-
cessitie of baptism e, as also to instruct them in that poynt, they wer referred
to the session of Rothemay to be censured.

Compeired William Charles in Ruthven, in sackcloath, on knees, desire-
ing earnesthe to be relaxed from excommunication, promiseing, by Godis
assistance, to amend his life, to seek after the knowledg of God, and to
abstain from all such wickednes in tyme comeing. The presbytrie, not
finding him sufficientlie sensible of his case, laboured to make him sensible
both of his fault and ignorance, and delayed till the next day ; and the mi-
nister ordained, in the mean tyme, to take pains on him for that effect, that
he might be made sensible of, and sorrowfuU for, the same.

1653.J THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 239

At Botarie, 6th July, 1653.

The said day, after incaUing' of the name of God, the speaker being
removed, and his doctrine examined, in respect he had got too large a text,
both in his former lecture, and also in this sermon, and so was not so po-
pular in his doctrine as some wold have expected, the presbytrie ordained
him the next day of meeting to lecture on Psalm 122, and to preach on
Luke 3, V. 9.

The said day, being appoynted for choising Commissioners to the Gene- Commissioner
rail Assemblie, Mr. Georg Chalmer and Mr. James Gordon being listed, ^^^o^en.
the said Mr. Georg was chosen. Also, Robert Gordon of Petlurg and
James Sudderland of Kinminnitie, being listed as ruleing elders, the said
James was chosen ruleing elder to attend the next ensueing Generall
Assemblie at Edinburgh.

Compeird William Charles, excomraunicat for octolapse in fornication, Charles ad-
in sackcloath, humblie supplicating to be relaxed from the sentence of ex- '"'**^" *^ '^'
communication, professing his repentance and sorrow for his sin, and pro-
mising to amend his life. The moderator, labouring to make him sensible
of the greivousnes of his sinnes, and of the miserable condition he was in,
and his minister testifying that he carried himself weill outwardhe, abstain-
ing from all publict sins he was given to abefor, and frequented sermons to
be instructed in the way of God, the presbytrie resolved to admit him to
repentance, ordaining the minister to deal with him in the mean tyrne, to
work a true remorse in him for his sin.

John Ogilvie and Katherin Innes in Grange, being summonded, and not Ogilby and
compeiring, the presbytrie thought good to send Mr. William Kinenmont to ^""^s-
moderat the session of Grange, and ther with the session to examine and
try the busines anent the slander of the minister of Grange, with power to
censure the slanderers as they wer found guiltie.

At Botarie, 27th July, 1653.

Mr. William Kinenmont reported that, according to the ordinance of Ogilby and
the presbytrie, he had bein at Grange, and had examined the slander of the ^""®®-
minister theroff, and accordinglie had censured those who wer guiltie, as the
extract of the act of the session of Grange made theranent at mor lenght
bears, the tenure quherofF followes : [ ]

Compeired Thomas Tailyeor, parochiner of Ruthven, complaining to Tailyeor and
the presbytrie that his mother, Bessie Gordon, did impede his marriag with- ^fordon.

240 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1653.

out any just reason. She is ordained to be summonded to the next day to

giue in her reasons why she did so, and in the mean the marriag to desist

till she wer heard.

Supplication Compeird Walter Leslie, in name of the paroche of Botrifnie, and pre-

_of the paroch- ggjjted a supplication from them to the presby trie, desireing that they wold

trifnie. be pleased not to proceed in the plantation of ther church by Mr. James

Petrie, and expressing ther dissatisfaction with him, desyreing also the

hearing of Mr. William Burnet, whom they had some tymes heard befor

to ther contentment. The presbytrie thought fit to go to Botrifnie the

next day, viz., August tenth, to try the supplication, and to giue an answer

vnto it. In the mean tyme, Mr. William Burnet may go preach ther on the

paroches call.

At Botrifnie, 10th Augusti, 1653.
The paroch- The said day, after incalling of the name of God, the presbytrie haveing
inersofBotrif. j^g^. ^^ examine and try the supplicatioun given in the last day by Walter

nies SUppllCa- -,111- 1 t • f • • 1 nr -r T% • T

tion answered. Lesly, declaring ther dissatistactioun with Mr. James retrie, and to give
an answer to it, compeired the gentlemen, elders, and rest of the parochiners
of Botrifnie, and the moderator haveing declared to them at length the
reason of the meeting of the presbytrie ther, did cause reid in audience of
them all the forsaid supplicatioun, and did demand whether or not they
ownd it ; they answered affirmatiuelie they did, and in particular, these
gentlemen who had not subscrived it being demanded if they likeways ownd
it, answered, though they had indeid subscrived a supplication befor for
Mr. James Petrie, yet now, being but a few number, could not nor void
divyde from the rest of the elders, who had subscrived this late supplication,
and from the whole bodie of the people. The presbytrie called the forsaid
Mr. James Petrie, and demanded of him quhat he thought himself of that
matter, who answered he desired to go on in his tryalls, and then he sould
giue a satisfactorie answeir that sould content both presbytrie and people,
and he sould be loath to offend God or wrong his own conscience in pro-
secuting a call against the peoples will. Quherupon the presbytrie taking
all things to consideration, haueing examined the supplication, concluded in
ansueir to it, to stop the tryalls of the young man pro tempore, and with all
gave power to Mr. William Burnet to preach at Botrifnie at the peoples
desire.

At Innerkeithnie, 31st August, 1653.

Visitation of Conveend moderator and brethren. Absent, Mr. James Gordon and
Innerkcithny.

1653.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 241

Mr. Alexander Ker. Mr. Georg Meldrum preached on Matthew 26,
V. 39.

The said day being appoynted for the visitatioun of the said church of
Innerkeithny, after incalling of Gods name, the minister produced the list
of his elders as followes : Georg Spence of TuUo ; Georg Sinclair of
Haddomill ; James Alshioner in Haddo ; Patrik Alshioner in Auchingoul ;
Patrik Naper in Fortrie ; William Smith in Achingoul ; Robert Al-
shioner in Achinhamper ; Alexander Alshioner in Achnina ; Robert
Farscan in Downie ; Georg Harper in Ardphour ; John Irving in Log ;
who wer solemnlie sworn, with vplifted hands, to declare quhat they knew Elders depo-
anent ther minister, his doctrin, life, and conversation, exercise of disci- ®'*^*^"-
pline, etc., and all removed except Georg Sincler, who deponed that his
minister preached euerie Lordis day tuyse, and also lectured once upon
ane ordinarie text ; that he kept home and did not gad abroad ; that he
preached Christ and spak to their consciences, and was aedifying,.onlie he
had a stop in his speach, which they wer acquainted with, and did not hinder
ther instruction ; that he catechisd on the week day. Anent his life and
conversation, that he carried blamleslie ; went not to ale houses, or any bad
company, or any vnfit places, but was christian like and exemplarie in his
life and conversation, had God worshipped in his familie, and no scandalous
persons in it. For his discipline, he exercised it diligentlie and impartiallie ;
took care of the poor by the advice of the session ; that he censured those
of his people who conveend not to sermon, etc. Also, that ther was no
schoole. Ther was nothing he would haue him admonishd of, for he went
about his calling faithfuUie. Lastly, as concerning an helper to the minis-
ter, according to the provinciall referr, he said he thought it neidles, seing
no defect was in him saue a stay in his speach, which they were acquainted
with, and notwithstanding of it understood him.

James Alshioner being called, depend that he was as able as befor ;
visited the sick, and sometyms also the families of his congregation ; ad-
ministrat baptisme on Thursday, and the Lordis day, and that befor a con-
gregation ; had not celcbrat the Lordis supper thir three yeirs ; and in all
other things as Georg Sincler had depend alreadie. Ther was nothing he
wold have him admonisht off. All the rest of the elders did homologat to
the former deposition.

The minister being called, was put in mynd of his former willin^nes to Helper to
admit of a helper, also of the Synods referr anent that particular, answered, iryjno." "^

2 H

242 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1653.

his condescendence was conditionate if he sould fail in his gift ; but seing
the Lord continued with him giftes and abihties for performing his dutie
himself, he thought it not neidfull till he sould faill, and then he sould
willinglie receav on. But if the gentlemen, and elders, and rest of
parochiners sould find a way to provide for on he sould be willing, but
for his provision it was so small, he could not live on it and maintain
another.

The gentlemen and elders being again called, and demanded quhat they
wold do in relation to the provideing mantenance for an helper, answered,
they wer so poor, and so burthened with public imposts of the land, that
they could hardlie mantain ther own minister ; and that they thanked God
for ther ministers gifts and neided not an helper to him, but sould giue in
ther reasons in wreit, the next presbyterie day, at more lenght, quherfor
they did not provide for an helper to their minister.

The elders being removed, and the minister asked concerning them,
testifyed that, according to his knowledg, they were verie diligent in exer-
cising discipline, carried Christianlie in their life and conversation. Ther
was nothing he wold have them admonished of. They being called, wer
exhorted to go on in diligence and faithfulnes in ther calling.
Letter from The said day, ther was presented a letter from Patrik Lord Oliphant

Lord Oli- ^j^j Dam Elizabeth Gordon, Lady Kinardie, the tenor quheroff follows :
phant and T..i-r. ii -i ip \ •• «

Ladie Kin- " Kight Keverend, please semg by order irom yow, the mmisters of

ardie. Abercherder and Inverkeithnie ar going on in processe against ws,

quherfor it is our humble desire to yow that ye wold be pleased to giue

direction that the processe may be continued till we haue some competent

tyme for our resolution in a busines which so neirlie concerns ws ; and if

we sail not then resolue to giue obedience to quhat ye sail command ws,

we sail desire no further delay therefter. So, referring the tyme and this

our request to your charitable consideration, we commend ws heartlie to

yow, and rest your verie assured to serve yow. Sic subscribitur, Oliphant.

E. Gordone."

For ansueir to which letter the presbytrie granted them a moneth, and
ordaind Mr. William Kinenmont, Mr. John Reidfurd, and Mr. Robert
Irving, to go conferr with them.

Georg Jinkin and John Christie referred from the session of Abercher-
der, for ryming and cuculling, called, compeird not. Ordained to be
summonded pro 2"-

1653.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 243

At Botarie, 28th September, 1653.

Mr. William Kinenmont, Mr. John Reidfurd, and Mr. Robert Irving, Ladie
who wer sent to speak with Patrik Lord Oliphant and Dam Elizabeth Kinardie.
Gordon, Ladie Kinardie, reported they had done so, with small hope of OHphant.
gaining them. The tyme granted to them the last day now being neir
spent, and they not compeiring to giue obedience, Mr. John Reidfurd and
Mr. Robert Irving was ordained to get ther ansueirs in wreit respective^
and to bring them to the brethren of the presbytrie at the synod ; which,
if not sufficient then, to go on in processe against them befor the next
day of meeting.

Reported Mr. James Gordon, that he had been conferring with the Ladie
Ladie Rothemay, younger, and found her popishlie disposed. Was or- Rothemay.
dained to go on in conference with her.

Mr. Robert Irving presented from the parochiners of Inverkeithnie ther Reasons of

ansueir to the propositioun of the presbytrie anent an helper to him in the *^*^ parochin-

crs 01 InvGr.
ministrie, which was, that they thanked the presbytrie for the cair they keithnie for

had of ther ffood, but that they did not see any sufficient ground quherfor ^^^"^ refusing

1 ,-11 1-11 ,1- a helper to

the presbytrie souid vrge or presse an helper on them, or yet they desire the minister.

on. P- Because the Lord had continued with ther pastor his giftis and
graces for the dischargeing his dutie, also health and strenght of bodie ;
and they his flock wer sufficientlie content with him in all poynts.
2"- Ther provision was so small, it could not maintain tuo ministers.
3"' The paroche being so litle, ther was no hope of obtaining an augmen-
tation. A°- They forsaw such difficulties in setling of an helper, that the
intending of such a thing sould rather mak worse nor better ther
condition.

Compeird Walter Leslie, commissioner from the parochiners of Bo- Supplication
trifnie, and gave in a supplication, subscryved with the hands of the °' Botnfnie
gentlemen, elders, and rest of the parochiners, unanimouslie supplicating William
the presbytrie to admit to tryalls in relation to the ministrie among them I^urnett.
Mr. William Burnet, ane expectant in the presbytrie, whom they, to the
contentment of all, had severall tyms heard, and that with as great speid
as could be, seing they had vaked so long. In ansueir to which, the
presbytrie promised to send a minister to preach at Botriftiie, who sould
ther declare the presby tries ansueir to them.

Anent the former act at Botrifnie, Augusti tenth, for waveing of Mr. Petrics for-
James Petrie's tryalls, pro tempore^ the presbytrie, on mature deliberation, ^jg i^^xy in.

244

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1653.

resolved to take in the next day of meeting the tryall that was formerlie
prescrived him, viz. the contraversie, De paedobaptismo ; and ordaind Mr.
John Reidfurd to advertise him to send his theses to the brethren eight
days befor the next meeting.

No doctrine.
Petrie.

Botrifnie.

Ladie
Kinardie.

Oliphant.

Ladie
Rotheraay.

Jinkin.

At Botarie, 26th Octobris, 1653.

The said day, no doctrine, in respect of Mr. James Petrie his absence,
who excused himself by letter, showing that forasmuch as his call to Bo-
trifnie was made ineffectual!, and by reason of his charge to which now he
was tyed he could not attend the presbytrie, and onlie desyred a testimonie
from the presbytrie of the tryalls he had alreadie passed, which the presby-
trie granted.

The said day, in respect that Mr. James Petrie, finding his call to Bo-
trifnie ineffectual, had passed from it, Mr. John Chalmer was ordained to
go to Botrifnie and preach, and after sermon to convein the session for
nomination and election of a minister ; as also, to require the people to stay
for homologation ; and withall, to require them to send commissioners to
attend the presbytrie the next day of meeting.

The said day, Mr. John Reidfurd reported that, in respect Dam Eliza-
beth Gordon, Ladie Kinardie, was continued by the Synode, vpon her
letter of request for that effect, to this day of meeting for declaration of her
mynd in relation to poperie, he had delayed the processe, and hade intimat
that vnto her. The presbytrie, finding that neither she, nor any in her
name, came to offer obedience, ordaind the said Mr. John to go on with
the processe against her ; as also, against Agnes Hebron and Janet Wil-
liamson.

Reported Mr. Robert Irving that he had closed the processe against
Patrik Lord Oliphant ; but in the mean tyme it was found that he had
baptised a child to the said Lord Oliphant, being under processe, not
acquainting the presbytrie with it, for which he was gravelie rebuked, and
willed to be more carefull in his ministrie ; as also, he was ordaind to ex-
communicat the said Lord Oliphant.

Reported Mr. James Gordon he had bein conferring with Margrat
Meinzies, Ladie Rothemay. Was ordained to go on in conference with her.

The said day, Georg Jinkin in Abercherder, being summonded pro
2°- for his ryming and cuculling, being called, compeired, and being accused
of the forsaid fault, confessed he onlie spoke three words of that ryme.

1653.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 245

Being sharpelie rebuked, and instructed of the grosnes of that sin, was
ordained to satisfie in sackcloath, which he promised to doe.

John Christie in Abercherder, being sumonded pro 1°- for ryining and Christie.
cucuUing, being called, compeired not. Ordaind to be sumonded pro S'"-

Reported Mr. William Kinenmont that John Guthrie, in his drunkenes, Guthrie to be
had publictlie vented malitious, contumelious, and reproachfull speechis summonded.
against him his minister, and the schoolmaster had giuen him base con-
temptuous language to his face. He was ordaind to cause summond him
to the next day.

The said day, Mr. John Reidfuird regrated that ther wer papists reset Laird of
in the Laird of Kinardie his house, that his servants wer papists, and his Kinardie.
Sonne, with his familie, being likeways papists, stayed all ther. The pres-
bytrie, taking to consideration the harme accrueing therby, ordained Mr.
William Kinenmont and Mr. Alexander Ker to go speak with him anent
that matter.

At Botarie, 23d Novembris, 1653.

The said day, Mr. John Chalmer reported that, according to the ordin- Election of a

ance of the presbytrie, he had bein at Botrifnie, and after sermon had '?'"'!*.^r ^*
11 -11 1 11 . . Ill 1 Botnfnie.

conveend the session ; and that the elders, vnammi consensu, had elected

and chosen Mr. William Burnet ther minister ; and therefter the bodie of

the people being called in, homologat the former call, and nullo redamante

gaue ther consent therto ; and for this effect wer to send Arthur Stewart

and Walter Leslie commissioners to declare the samen, humblie to entreat

the presbytrie to put the said Mr. William to his tryalls ; and he brought

an act of the session vnder his hand testifying the same.

Sicklike, compeird the said Arthur Stewart and Walter Leslie, commis- Commission-
sioners from the parochiners of Botrifnie, desireing, in the name of the ^!"® Botnf-
people, that the forsaid Mr. William sould be admitted to tryall. The
presbytrie judged the election laufull and formall ; onlie they continued his
entrie to tryall to the next day, that a supplication may come from the
bodie of the people ; and ordaind the said Mr. William to supplie the va-
cancie of that church, by preaching on the parochiners call as oft as he
could.

Compeird John Guthrie in Keith, and being accused for abuseing the Guthrie,
scoolmaster and schollers in his drunkennes, railing on and vilipending his
minister, confessed the samen ; and being sharpelie rebuked, and instructed

246

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1654.

Supplication
of Botrifnie
for Mr. Wil-
liam Burnet.

Lard Kinar-
die.

of the haynousnes of his sin, was referred to the session of Keith to be cen-
sured by them.

At Botarie, 21st Decembris, 1653.
The said day, the commissioners from Botrifnie being present, with a
supplication for the new elected minister, that he sould be admitted to
tryall, could not be heard till the presbytrie wer full, but wer desired to
keep the next dyet.

At Botarie, 28th Decembris, 1653.
Compeird Walter Leslie, commissioner from the pariochiners of Botrif-
nie, and presented a supplication, vnder ther hands, desireing that Mr. Wil-
liam Burnet sould be admitted to his tryalls in relation to the ministrie
among them. The brethren present granted the supplication in omnibus,
and ordaind the said Mr. William the next day for the first poynt of his
tryall to have the addition.

At Botarie, 18th Januarii, 1654.
Reported Mr. William Kinenmont and Mr. Alexander Ker that, accord-
ing to the former ordinance, they hade gon to Kinardie to speak with the
Laird anent his resetting of papistes, etc., but found him not at home ; that
they hade dealt with the Ladie Kinardie, but to no effect, she remaining
still obstinat.

Ladie Kinar-
die, Hebron,
and William-
son to be ex-
communicat.

LordOliphant
to be excom-
municat.

At Botarie, 1st March, 1654.

The said day, Dame Elizabeth Gordon, Ladie Kinardie, Agnes Hebron,
and Janet Williamson, being sumonded to compeir to hear and see the
processe against them revised, etc., was called, but non of them compeiring,
the presbytrie ordained the sentence of excommunication to be pronounced
against them the next Lords day, the fifth of March, for ther apostacie to
poperie, perjurie, etc, and this ordinance to be sent under the clerks hand
to Mr. John Reidfurd, which was done.

The said day, Mr. Robert Irving sent an extract of the processe against
Patrik Lord Oliphant, being summonded to accept against it if he could
ought on reasonable grounds, was called, but not compeiring, was ordaind
to be excommunicat the next Lords day, March fifth, without longer delay,
and this ordinance, under the clerks hand, was sent to the said Mr. Robert.

1654.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 247

The said day, Mr. James Gordon related to the presbytrie that Jean Symson.
Symson, parochiner of Rothemay, fornicatrix with John Wat, a boy of
about fourteen yeirs of age, had come to him, alleadging she had cats in
her bellie, desireing a testificat to physicians in Aberdein for cure, which he
refused ; that she had gone, together with her mother, Issobell Crichton, Crightoun
and gotten drinks for destroying these cats, as she alleadged, and yet, not- ^"" V^^* *^^-
withstanding of all, was now found to be with childe. That, also, ther was
a surmise that the boys father, Alexander Wat, had also had carnall deal-
ing with her, and that to cloak the adulterie, she had intised his sonne,
John Wat, to vncleannes, and efter had laboured to destroy the child she
had conceaved, under pretence of cureing her of these cats. The brethren
of the presbytrie, takeing to heart the matter, ordaind the said Mr. James
to seek after more light, and to sumond these persons, Alexander Wat,
Issobell Chrichtoun, and Jean Symson, to the next day.

At Botarie, 22d March, 1654.

Reported Mr. Robert Irving, by his letter, and also ane extract of the LordOliphant
session vnder his hand, that he had, according to the ordinance of the pres- excommum-
bytrie, excommunicat Patrik Lord Oliphant. The excommunicatioun was
ordained to be intimat in the severall congregations of the presbytrie.

The said day, Mr. James Gordon reported that, according to the ordi- Jean Symson
nance of the presbytrie, he had been examining, with the session of Rothe- examined,
may, the mater anent Jean Symson, Issobell Crichtoun, and Alexander
Wat ; that he hade sumonded them all to corapeir this day befor the pres-
bytrie ; as, also, quhat presumptions he hade, and quhat they hade con-
fessed in the session, and quhervpon they wer to be accused, as efter
followis in ther particular examinations. The said persons being called
severallie, wer posed and examined on the poynts after mentioned, viz. :
First, The said Jean Symson being called, compeird, and being accused
for alleadging she had cats in her bellie, and thervpon pressing to the mi-
nister of Rothemay to give her a recommendation to the physitians in
Aberdein for medicin, which he refused her ; and that, the twenty-seventh
of December, 1653, for going to the goodwife of Aredoule and getting a
drink from her ; for going to Mr. William Jaflfray, minister at Kinedward,
to get a potion from him to kill cats in her bellie, who told her it was a
child, and not cats, and thervpon would giue her none ; for going to
Annas Bain, a suspected witch, on the seventh of February, 1654, to get a

248 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1654.

potion from her. Confessed that she indeid, thinking herselflF to have cats
in her bellie, had gone to the minister and sought a recommendation ; that
she had gone to the goodwife of Aredoule and gotten a drink for the bairn-
bed ; had gone to Mr. William Jaffray, and in her return cam to Annas
Bain to get a potion for these cats. 2"- Being posed if she got a drink
from the said Annas, denyed it ; but efterwards being put to her oath, and
more strictlie examined, confessed that she got a hot drink, with something
like garlick or onions among it. 3°- Being asked quhat tyme she fell with
the young boy, John Wat, confessed that they lay togither from February
twenty-third to September [ ], 1653, and began to have carnall dealing
together June twenty-ninth. 4°- Being accused of fornication with Andro
Gray, and posed if she did not say to the boy, John Wat, he might adven-
ture to have to doe with her, for she had dealt with others befor without
conception ; denyed it, but promised if the said John Wat wold say so
much, she sould grant her self guiltie. Lastlie, Being accused of adulterie
with the said Alexander Wat, denyed it, and offered her oath. Being
posed if she had not bein sein in verie lascivious carreing with the said
Alexander in the mill, denyed any such miscarriage, and offered to take
with the guiltines if that sould be proven.

The said Jean being removed by her selfF that she sould not meet with
her mother, Issobell Chrichtoun, Alexander Wat being called, compeired,
and being accused for causing his sonne and Jean Symson to ly in on bed,
answered, he gave them distant beds in the same [ ], albeit they

had made on of tuo. 2°- Being posed and accused, why he had [ ]

vnder pretence of killing cats, to destroy his owne sonnes child, seing he
knew that his sonne had to doe with her, and, as he had formerly con-
fessed, challenged them, about the begining of September ; answered,
he hade not spoke with her since she alleadged she had cats in her bellie.
3°- Being accused of playing vncomelie carriage with her in a mill ; denyed.
Being asked quhat if it wer qualified ; answered, he sould take with
the fault. 4°- Being posed quhat he said to his sonne quhen the minister
sent for him ; answered, he forbad him to say any thing but quhat he
could and wold stand to. Being asked why he said so, seing he knew not
for quhat end the minister had sent for his sonne ; answered, he was a
boy, for fear he sould lay the fault on him or any other man.

The said Alexander being removed, Issobell Chrichtoun, the mother,
was called, who, compeiring, was posed as follows, viz. : If she went to the

1654.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 249

goodwife of Arridoule for a drink to her daughter ; if she cam with her to Issobell
ffet a recommendatioun to physicians in Aberdein, from the minister, for kil- Cnchton
ling of cats in her belhe ; iiF she went with her to Mr. William JafFray to examined,
get cure for that effect ; if she cam in to Annas Bain, the suspected witch, to
get a drink for that cats in her bellie. Confessed all, but said she thought
indeed it hade bein cats, and her daughter hade not bein with child. Being
posed if her daughter got a drink from Annas Bain, denyed it ; but being
confronted with her daughter, who confessed it before, excused it, that she
left her daughter ther, and went away an errand on the morrow.

The presbytrie, finding the difficultie of the matter, and finding it requi-
sit that the young boy, John Wat, wer present, sumonded them all, apud
acta, to compeir the next day, and ordaind the minister to seek out the
matter diligentlie, if he could by any means get more light in it, and to
sumond the said John Wat to the next day.

At Botarie, 31st March, 1654.

The said day, after incalling of the name of God, the brethren haveing Commission-
ers to t\
Svnode.

met occasionallie, a letter was presented from the moderator of the Synode ^"^^ *^

of Murray, showing that, by reason of the diflScultie of the tyms, and
distractions of the brethren, it was thought if the gravest and most ex-
perienced brethren met with him for the tyme, that all could not possiblie
keep the ordinarie day of the synode, and that to avoyd inconveniences, for
consulting on the fittest tyme for adjourning, and for preserving the liber-
ties of the church, some from everie presbytrie sould be warranted to keep
tyme and place appoynted. Which letter being red and considered, the
presbytrie, taking to consideration the troubles of the tyms, choose Mr.
William Kinenmont and Mr. William Jameson commissioneris from them
to attend the meeting.

At Botarie, 1 9th Aprilis, 1654.
Compeird John Wat, a boy of fifteen yeirs, and being accused of fornica- Alexander
tioun with Jean Symson, confessed. Being posed at what tyme, ansuered, J* ,^*' .„
about the first of September last. If any had suborned him to take with that
guiltines, and with the child the said Jean was with ; ansuerd, non ; and, being
put to his oath, offered to swear it. Being accused if she had said to him
he might haue to do with her, because she had tryed others and had no chil-
dren ; ansueird, she indeed said she wold have no bairns, but no more.

2 I

250

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1654.

Burnet's
tryalls and
approbation.

Edict to be
published at
Botrifny.

At Botarie, 17th Maij, 1654.

The said day, efter incalHng of the name of God, Mr. William Burnet
was put to a questionarie tryall in poynts of divinitie, scripture chronologic,
etc. ; also was tryed in the originall languages, and, being removed, was in
this and everie other poynt of his tryalls approven.

The said day, an edict was ordaind to be published at the church of
Botrifnie, requireing all and sundrie that hade any thing to object against
Mr. William Burnet in doctrine, or life and conversation, to compeir the
next presbytrie day to doe the samen, otherwise to get no hearing afterwards ;
which edict the said Mr. William was ordaind to cause pubhsh.

Visitation
of Glasse.

Elders.

Aswanlie.
Elders depo-
sition.

At Glasse, Junij 7, 1654.

Conveend, moderator and remnant brethren ; absent, Mr. Robert
Irving. Mr. Robert Jameson preached on Heb. ii. 6.

Efter incalling of Gods name, the brethren formerlie absent were ex-
cusd, and Mr. John Reidfurd and Mr. James Gordon being- listed for
the moderation the next half yeer, the said Mr. James was chosen.

The said day being appoynted for visitatioun of the said church, Mr.
Georg Meldrum gave in a list of his elders, viz. : Georg Calder elder of
Aswanlie ; Alexander Gald in Corshalloch ; Georg Calder, younger of
Aswanlie ; Georg Robertson in Waterside ; James Slorach in Achinhan-
dach ; George Wains in Balnaboth ; who being all sworn, with vplifted
hands, in the presence of God, to declare anent ther ministers doctrine,
exercise of discipline, life, and conversation, both privat and publict, they
wer all removed save Georg Calder, elder of Aswanlie, who depond as
follows, viz. : That he preachd soundlie and orthodoxlie, to his knowledg,
so that he was aedified by his doctrine ; that he preachd tuise everie Lordis
day, in the long days, and lectured once, and in the short days lectured
once and had on sermon ; that he catechised constantlie on the week day,
and lectured once a fourtnight on a week day ; that he yeerlie visited fami-
lies, and took up a roll of his parochiners ; that he visited the sick. For
discipline, he was vnpartiall, and no respecter of persons ; did make alike
enquirie of all scandalous sins and miscarriages ; that he medled not with
the comon good, but was carefull of the poor ; that ther was collection for
them, and distribution as they neided. For the administration of sacra-
ments, that he was carefull that parents sould be intelligent, and know
their dutie ; that he did administrat it publictlie ; that the communion had

1654.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 251

not been celebrat a long while ago, but quhen it was, he deponed it was
done according to order ; that, lastlie, he found him faithfull in his calling,
and declared he knew no defect in him. Concerning his conversation in
his familie, God was worshipped in it, no scandalous person tolerat or kept
in it. For his privat life and conversation, that he was conscientious,
given to no vice, but walked verie Christianlie ; and that he thanked God
they had got him among them. Nothing he would have him ad-
monished off.

Georg Calder, younger of Aswanlie, being called, deponed in all Aswanlie,

thing's as Georff, elder, had done, and added that the minister, when he younger, his

o . . , . . deposition,

visited the sick, laboured to make them sensible of ther spirituall estate,

and dealt with them accordinglie ; that he kept of ignorants from the sacra-
ments till they sould learne ; that he was carefull to get testificats from
these that entered the parochin ; that he wold have him admonishd of
nothing.

All the rest of the elders being called, did homologate to the forsaid
deposition.

No scoolmaster, nor Psalms sung.

The minister being called, was encouraged to go on in faithfull discharg- Minister
ing of his calling ; and being enquired the reason of the paucitie of his encouraged,
elders, declared they wer as many as he could possiblie haue that were
qualified.

Reported the minister that severall men had fallen with a breach of Sab- Gordon of
bath by playing at football, whom they had censured, onlie some had refused ^ "™®* /
obedience to ther censure put vpon them, viz., John Gordon of Beldornie ; Achinhandak,
James Gordon, brother to Achinhandak ; Alexander Gordon of Dummeth ; Bramber, etc.,
William Bramber, etc. Those being referred from the session, wer called, breakers,
and compeired these, viz., James Gordon, Alexander Gordon, and William censured.
Bramber, and being accused, confessed ther breach of Sabbath, and sub-
mitted to the censure of the church ; quhervpon, being rebuked, and in-
structed of the grosnes of ther sin, they wer ordaind to mak publict
acknowledgment of ther guiltines in face of congregation, by humbling
themselvs on ther knees befor the pulpit. And it was recommended to the
session to censure in like maner the rest who had not compeired ; which if

they did not obey, to summond them to the next meeting. ^

"^ . * Gordon oi

John Gordon of Beldornie, for playing at football, and vpbraiding the Beldornie to

minister and session, ordaind to be sumonded pro 3'°- ^^ sumonded

pro So-

252 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1654.

Grant return- Reported also the minister, that Thomas Grant, who formerlie had lyen
ing to keep ^^^ fj.Qjjj ^^q worship of God, through strong temtation (as he affirmed) of
worship. his father-in-law, wife, and preists reset by them, hade come in and acknow-

ledged his fault, and promised to keep the worship in tyme comeing, and
submitted himselff to disciplin for his standing out. He being called, com-
peired, and being enquired the reason of his dishaunting the publict wor-
ship and ordinances, answered, that through evill companie, exemple, and
allurements of his father-in-law, wife, and preists, he hade bein drawen to
scruples, but now they wer removed, that he sould continue constant in the
true religion. He was recommended to the minister to be dealt with and
instructed, and ordaind to keep the publict worship constantlie, and to con-
verse as litle as could be with papists.

Compeird Alexander Wains, and being accused of breach of Sabbath,
contumacie to the session, and vilifieing it by going away abruptlie, con-
fessed ; and being sharplie rebuked, was ordaind to stand in sackcloath till
he sould giue satisfaction to the congregation.
Edict indorsat The said day, ane edict served at the church door of Botrifnie, dulie
returned from gxecut and indorsat by James Christie, clerk to the session of Botrifnie,
was returned. The parochiners wer called, but none compeiring to object
any thing to Mr. William Burnet, the presbytrie found nothing remaining
but that he sould be admitted to the said church. Yet, on some considera-
tions, and at the desire of the said Mr. William, the admission was delayed
for a tyme.

At Innerkeithny, 19 th Julij, 1654.
Visitation of The said day, being appoynted for visitatioun of the said church, and
ny. g^jjg^gpjjjg ^\^Q referr of the Synod in provideing a helper to the minister,
efter incalling of Gods name, the referr of the synode was showen to the
minister, and he put in mynd of his former assent to tak an helper, he
answered he was willing to admit on if the presbytrie and parochin wer not
satisfied with him ; onlie he regrated the meannes of the mantainance of the
said church. The presbytrie proponed to him that in consciens he wold
considder his growing infirmities, also that he wold mynd his former pro-
mise to do nothing without the advise of the presbytrie in the matter of an
helper. He taking it to consideration, desired the presbytrie to go on for
provideing an helper, and to deale for mantenance to him with the paro-
chiners, and he sould willinglie accept of him, and for his part sould be con-

1654.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 253

tent to give a portion of his raantainance to him, being willing to content the
presbytrie for quhat belonged to him. Then he gave in a list of his elders,
viz. : Georg Spence of Tullo ; Georg Sinclar of Haddomill ; Patrik Neper
in Fortrie ; James Alshioner in Haddo ; William Smith in Achingoul ;
Patrik Alshioner in Auchingoul ; Robert Alshioner in Achinharaper ;
Robert Farskan in Downies ; Alexander Alshioner in Acknynna ; John
Irving in Log. Those being all called and present, the reason of the
meeting was declared to them, for provideing ane helper to ther minister,
according to the referr of the synode, quhich was red vnto them. It was
represented likeways to them, that both synode and presbytrie and ther
owne minister thought it meet and expedient that ther sould be ane helper
to ther minister at that church ; that now ther minister, being willing to
embrace on, and to contribute for his mantainance, it did ly vpon them to
provide for on, and a liveliehood for him. They answered, they could not
bear the burthen of an helper, by reason of publict burthens alreadie lying
on them. The presbytrie represented to them the great neid of one ; the
shortnes of the tyme that burden was like to endure ; and that alreadie it
was concluded ther sould be a helper to ther minister, and now onlie the
meanes of his liveing wer to be looked to. Then the question was put to
everie on of them in particular, whether or not, ther minister haveing
agreed to admit a helper, and to contribute for his liveliehood, wer they
content also to do the same, or wold they consent to it ? To which they
answered, everie on by himself, as foUous : Tulloch, he was content ;
Haddomill, no helper ; Patrik Neper, he did consent ; James Alshioner,
no helper ; William Smith, he mistred not on ; Patrik Alshioner, he con-
sented not to a helper ; and so verbatim Robert Alshioner, Robert Forscan,
Alexander Innes, and John Irving.

The minister being called, wes enquired quhat he wold give for man-
tainining ane helper ; said he wold bestow [ ], which was all

he could doe, the provision being small and his burthen great.

At Kinnor, 9th Augusti, 1654.

Conveend moderator and brethren ; absent Mr. John Reidfuird, ex-
cused by his letter.

Mr. John Chalmer preached on Jude, verse 3.

The said day being appoynted for visitation of the church of Kinor, Visitation of
the minister gave vp a list of his elders of the parochin of Kinnor, viz. : Dumbennand.

254 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1654.

John Hamiltoun of Corse ; John Spence in Burntstone ; Alexander
Gordon, at the Mill of [ ] ; Alexander Hendrie of Aflek ; Thomas

Gordon, at the Mil of Kinnor ; Herom Spence in Burntstone ; John
Gordon, portioner of Afleck ; Alexander Murray in Achmull ; William
Murray ther ; John Brown in Brig ; James Morison in [ ] :

Georg Mitchell ; who wer all present, except John Gordon of Aflek,
Alexander Murray, James Morison, who wer ordained to be rebuked for
ther not attendance, the day being intimat to them. Sicklike, the minister
gave in the names of the elders of Dumbennan, to whom he had intimate
the day of meeting, and who for the most part wer present, viz. : John
Gordon of Artloch ; Andro Tailyeor in Westertoun ; James Gordon in
Gibstoun ; Alexander Chalmer in Colonach ; John Henrie ther ; Alex-
ander Spence in Nether Rawis ; Thomas Spence in Cracullie ; Andro
Rudderfoord in Gibstoun ; John Robson in Vttiestoun ; William Broun
in Westertoun ; James Jessimen ther ; John Ingram in TuUochbeg. Of
these wer absent, John Gordon of Artloch, John Henrie, Andro Rudder-
foord, John Robson, and James Jessimen ; ordained to be rebuked, if
they brought not a relevant excuse. The elders of both the congrega-
tions wer enquired if efterward they wold joyne in ane session, and meet
together at each church ; they answered, as occasion soukl offer, they
wold meet together, but would not tye themselvs to it. The presbytrie
finding that both sessions wer come vp to this meeting, beside some of ther
expectations, efter debateing the matter, concluded for this time to tak the
elders of both congregations ther deposition concerning ther minister, and
his testiraonie of them ; but referred to the synode to advise what sould be
the practise of visiteing these tuo vnited congregations in time comeing,
and how both the sessions could be vnited ; and, for the time, brdaind the
book of disciplin of Dumbennan to be visited efterward, quhen the pres-
bytrie sould call for it.
Elders deposi- All the forsaid elders of both congregations being solemnlie sworne, to
*'""• depon ingenuouslie concerning ther minister, his doctrine, exercise of dis-

ciplin, life, and conversation, etc., and being all removed except John
Corse depons. Hamiltoun of Corse, he deponed as follows : That he was edified by his
preaching ; that he hade on lecture, and on sermon on an ordinarie text,
the lecture coutinueing one hour and the sermon tuo ; that baptism was
onlie publictlie administrat ; that weeklie catechising was not still practised,
but that the minister propoud meetings, yet could not get catechiseing

1654.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 255

well put in practise ; that he visited the sick, being called for, and some

even vncalled, quhen he got any notice they wer sick. For discipline,

that ther was a constant session ; that the minister was no accepter of

persons, but impartiallie censured all scandalous sins that wer delated, and

laboured to make them sensible of ther guiltines that wer convict. For his

private life, he was given to no vice, but he wished to God they could

follow his good example, commending him much as verie exemplarie ; that

God was worshipped in his familie. Ther was nothing he would have

him admonished off, but that he sould enter the publict worship more

tymouslie on the Lords day, that he sould catechise for celebrating the

communion, sould be frequent in familie visitations, and preach shorter in

the sermon, and have ane efternoons sermon.

James Gordon in Gibstoun, on of the elders of Dumbenan, being called, Gordon in

did depone as the said John Gordon had done in omnibus : added, that he ^''^^^o""

1 p 1 IT • T M • 1 depons.

took care oi the poor orderhe, everie quarter distribution was made to them ;

that he was as good a man in his life and conversation as he knew, and

walked in the way of godlines befor his people verie exemplarlie. He wold

have him admonishd to catechise on the week day constantlie, and to cele-

brat the sacrament of the Lords Supper, of no other thing.

John Spence in Kinor, being called, did depone in omnibus, vt supra ; Spence in
added, that the minister visited families tuise a yeir, and took vp the names Burntston
of his parochiners. He wold have him admonishd to cause the people ^'^"^'
convein more .tymouslie, and to begin the worship more earlie on the Lords
day, of nothing more.

Thomas Spence in Dumbennan, deponed likewise in omnibus, vt supra.
Being particularlie posed, declared ther was nothing he wold have him ad-
monishd off, but that if ther was any defect, it was in the people and not in
the minister.

All the rest being called, and posed on the fprsaid things, did homologate
the former deposition, and desired him to be admonished to celebrat the
sacrament, and to lake effectuall course for conveening the people more
tymouslie and more frequentlie on the Lords day then they did, which they
affirmed to be the [ ] .

The minister being called, was commended for the good testimonie
[ ] of his elders, was exhorted to constant catechising ; to which

he answered, it sould have been so, onlie this yeir had omitted a litle,
quheroff he sould give a reason. Anent the celebration of the Lordis Sup-

256

THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE.

[1654.

His testi-
monie of his
elders.

Ther censure.

No scool-
master.

Officer ap-
prover!.

Session to be
joyned.

Gray excom-
municat.

per being enquired, he answered, how soon they sould be redie he sould
set forward in that work, and sould take pains to make thera ready. Being
demanded why he did not sooner begin the publict worship ; he answered,
he sould be willing, and was readie in tyme, but they would not convein
tymouslie, but he sould endeavour to helpe that. For an efternoons ser-
mon, he testified he could not get them to kepe it, and to witness that, on
humiliation days, they wold not abide nor return to the efternoons sermon,
and that, therfor, he was forced to make his sermon as long as both sould
be. He was exhorted to preach tuise a day, catechise constantlie, lecture
on the week day, and go through the families of the congregation, and to
be strict in censureing dishaunters of ordinances in Dumbenan. For pa-
pists, he declared he hade severall in Dumbennan, both men and women,
and sould incontinentlie give in a list of ther names.

Concerning his elderis, they being removed, he gave a good testimonie
to these of Kinor, that in ther life he could quarrel nothing ; that some of
them wer wise men, and some he knew to have the fear of God, and had
nothing to desire them to be admonishd off. Concerning the elders of
Dumbennand, that they wer not so able, yet faithfull ; he had nothing they
sould be admonishd off, but that they sould not have the faith of Jesus
Christ in respect of persons, sould keep ther own church, and abstain from
minched oaths.

The elders being called, wer applauded for ther diligence and carefull
walking in ther calling ; wer exhorted to continue, and to show themselvis
in such backslideing times worthe of the good commendation given, then to
keep ther oun church, to mak conscience of all suearinge, and to be exem-
plarie in holines.

No scoolmaster. Recommended to both the parochins to provide for
on, and recommended to the minister to question some that taught children
privatelie, concerning ther religion.

The officer, [ ], was approven as faithfull in his calling,

and honest in his life and conversation.

Recommended to the elders to find out a way for joyning of both ses-
sions in one, and to report to the pres bytrie, which they promised to doe.

Reported the minister that, according to the ordinance of the presbytrie,
he hade excommunicat Bessie Gray, adulteresse. The excommunication
ordained to be intiraat.

Reported also the minister, that he had not as yet excommunicat Mai-

1654.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 257

come, by reason that when he went about it the whole people in the church Malcom to
of Dumbennand rose vp and went out of doors, except some few. He was ^? excommu-
ordaind the next day to excommunicat him, and to cause close the doors,
and if any did break out, to observe the ringleaders, and to delate them, if
the said John did not come in and give obedience to discipline.

The session book being visited by Mr. John and Mr. Georg Chalmers, Session book,
was approven ; they wer found diligent and comended.

At Botrifnie, Augusti 30, 1654.

Conveend the moderator and brethren. Absent, Mr. Robert Irving,
Mr. Georg Meldrum, Mr. William Jameson, and Mr. Alexander Ker.
Preached Mr. James Gordon on Heb. 13, v. 17.

This day being appoynted for admission of Mr. William Burnet to the Burnets ad-
ministrie of the said church of Botrifnie, who hade ffiven sufficient proof of ^'^^'P".'°
his abilities and qualihcations in his tryalls, an edict haveing bem served,
and non haveing compeired, nor yet compeiring to object any against the
said Mr. William, the parochiners being satisfied with him and desirous of
him to be ther minister, after exhortatioun, the said Mr. William was ad-
mittit to the ministrie of the said church, by prayer and laying on of hands,
according to the order of the church, and power given to him to preach,
administrat the sacraments, exercise discipline as a minister of Jesus Christ
within the said parochin [of Botrifnie] ; and the said Mr. William gave his
oath of fidelitie in his charge, and obedience to the lawfull constitutions of
the Church of Scotland ; as also, to be subject to the brethren, to be ad-
monished, rebuked, or censured by them, who thervpon gave him the right
hand of fellowship, and the whole pariochiners that were present, ther being
a great congregation of people, did gladelie and heartlie accept of the said
Mr. William for to be ther minister, as also the whole eldership, in testi-
monie of ther heartie [regard] of him, did give him ther right hand.

2 K

INDEX.

INDEX

Abercherdotjh, 36, 37, 63. Plantation
of, 79, 146. Visitation of, 190.

Abercrombie, Mr. Andrew, minister at
Fintray, 72.

Aberlour, 145, 148.

Aberlour, Presbytery of, 82, 108, 225.

Abernethie, George, of Auchinclech,
165, 166.

Abernethie, John, of Tilliedoun, 81,
136.

Abernethie, Presbytery of, 39.

Abernethy, George, of Claymyr, 165.

Aberneythye, Mr. Thomas, a priest, 17-

Aboyne, James Viscount of, 57.

Achanassie, 88, 92.

Acharn, 38.

Achincrive, 32.

Achinbo, 171.

Achinclech, 84, 165, 166.

Achindoun, 129.

i\.chindraine, 203.

Achinhamper, 253.

Achinhandak, 76, 152, 160, 250, 251.

Achmad, 81.

Achmull, 141, 254.

Achynacie, 122, 160.

Achynachie, Alexander, 138.

Achynachie, John of, 72.

Acknynna, 253.

Adamson, George, in Floores, 76, 102.

Adamson, George, appearand of Braco,
8. Of Braco, 21.

Afflect, 171, 254.

Airlie, Earl of, 62, 71.

Alford, Presbytery of, 78.

Allanbuy, 96.

Alter, Lady, 85. Accused of adultery
with Nathaniell Gordon, 85. And of
fornication with Captain Mortimer,
85, 89, 92. Appears personally, 102,
118, 119, 120, 162, 188.

Anderson, James, notar public, 26.
Anderson, John, of Westerton, calls his

minister an adulterer, 141.
Annand, Mr. John, minister of Kinore,

transported to Inverness, 24.
Ardbrake, Easter, 18. Waster, 18.
Ardbrone, 31.
Ardbrodin, 143.
Ardmellie, 78, 160.
Ardfour, 196.
Argathnie, 145.
Argyle, the Marquis of, 43.
Arradoul, 75, 85, 249.
ArthiU (Harthill), 75
Arthure, Mr. William, 111.
Artlach, 254.
Askein, Colonel, 59.
Assuanlie, 18, 20, 29, 52, 54, 139, 144,

152, 250.
Auchanachie, 20, 186.
Auchcroy, 142.

Auchincheive, 121, 126, 165, 206.
Auchingoul, 196, 253.
Awachie (Avochie), 141, 155, 162, 170.

Bad, 76, 117, 154.

Bain, Annas, a suspected witch, 249.

Balnaboth, 250.

Balnamoon (in Grange), 121, 131.

Balvenye, Laird of, 14.

Ballamure, 206.

Banff, 90.

Barclay, Gilbert of Allanbuy, 96, 139,

144, 146.
Barclay, John, accused of incest with

mother and daughter, 70.
Barclay, Walter, notary public, 140.
Beldornie, 92, 151, 153, 164.
Bellihack, 143.
Bellnadallach, 108.
Bennet, Mr. William, 111.

262

INDEX.

Birkenhill, 200.

Birkenburn, 76, 96, 140.

Birnie, John, postmaster in Aberdein,
233.

Bishop of Murray, diseased, 16.

Black, Mr. Nicoll, 229.

Blackhall, Mr. Thomas, a preist, 17.

Blersindie, 94, 162.

Bletcheris of cloth on Sunday to be cen-
sured as fornicators, 33.

Bodinfinach, 143.

Bogforth, 203.

Boggancloch, 207.

Boigge, The, (Bog of Gicht, now Gor-
don Castle), 41.

Bordellseat, 200.

Botarie and Ruthven, visitation of, 203.

Botrifney, 174.

Botriphney, visitation of, 30. Another
visitation, 144, 257.

Bowmakellache, 142, 232.

Braco, 132.

Brakless, 76.

Broadland, 203.

Brody, Mr. Joseph, 3. His institution
as minister of Keith, 4, 28, 49.

Brown, Mr. Robert, minister at For-
glen, 113, 160.

Bruise, Rebecca, 48.

Bucharn, 37, 139, 226, 236, 237.

Burials in kirks difficult to restrain, 52.

Burnett, Mr. William, 250. Licensed
to preach, 234. Gets a call from
Botrifney, 240. Admitted as minister
at Botrifney, 257.

Caldeb, George, of Assuanlie, 18, 20,

29, 54, 139, 152, 250, 251.
Calder, George, of Assuanlie, younger,

52, 250, 251.
Calvinus, 2.
Cant, Mr. Alexander, moderator of the

Assembly at Aberdeen, 160.
Cant, Mr. Andrew, 160, 162.
Cantly, 122.
Carmellit, 164.
Carnborrow, 158.
Carnborrow, Goodwyf of, 79, 83, 89,

228, 236, 238.

Carnusie, the Laird of, 36, 53, 110.

Chalmers, Mr. George, 47. Requires
an act of transportation from Rhynie
and Essie, 64.

Chalmer, Mr. James, Regent in New
Aberdeen, 122.

Chalmer, Mr. John, 139.

Chalmer, Mr. John, minister at Inver-
avon, 105, 106. Admitted as minis-
ter at Gartly, 110, 166.

Chalmer, Mr. William, minister at In-
nerboyndye, 9.

Chancellor, The, a letter from, as to the
Act of Parliament anent the poor,
116. Another letter from him as to
the plantation of kirks, 118.

Chapel of Garioch, 148.

Charming, 15, 22.

Chein, Mr. Robert, minister of Kineth-
mont, 67, 237.

Clatt, 227.

Claymyr, 165.

Clunibeg, 120.

Codrane, 105, 200.

Coinachy, 200.

Colonach, 137, 254.

Colwill, Mr. William, 112.

Con, James, excommunicat papist, 25,
223.

Condland, 78.

Copland, Captain Alexander, 25.

Corse (of Kinnoir), 171, 254.

Corshalloch, 250.

Corskie, 59.

Covenant, The, subscribed, 27.

Cowie, 143.

Cowye, Marcus, 11.

Craig, the Laird of, " broght vp in po-
perie, and continowing in the same
profession," 110. Is keeping the
kirk, 141.

Craigiehead, 76.

Craigievar, Laird of, a presentation by
him to the kirk of Keith, 3. A letter
from, with a list of some men for
a minister at Keith, 72, 73, 86, 87,
88.
Cranah, 123.
Crawford, Ludovick, Earl of, 57, 189-

INDEX.

263

Crichtoun, James, of Frendraucht, de-
dicates two silver cups at Inver-
keithny, 7. And two at Abercher-
der, 8.

Crichton, Robert, 78.

Crichton, Robert, of Corskie, 59.

Crichton, William, the Laird of Fren-
draucht's Son, 42, 49, 51,52,54,227.
Murder of, 36.

Crichton, Elizabeth, daughter of the
Laird of Frendraucht, 19.

Croillet, 206.

Cromby, the Laird of, 32.

Cromby, Lady, 110, 136.

Cromdell, 149.

Cromley, 35.

Cruikit Hauch of Culsardlie, 139.

Crukshanke, Mr. John, preaches in the
House of Huntly, 212. " Filles him-
self beastly full in the Rawes, as his
manner is," 212.

Crukshank, Elspett, confesses adultery
with the Earl of Crawford, 1 89-

Crystie, Alexander, " clodding and fear-
ful trouble in his hous," 50.

Crystie, Father, 17.

Culithie, 97, 139, 147, 200, 226, 231.

Culquharrie, 237-

Culsalmond, 12.

Culsardlie, 139.

Culvie, 141, 150.

Cumrie, 203.

Cupar, Presbytery of, 111.

Cushney, 72.

Daach, 77, 117, 155.

Dagliss (Dalgleish) Mr. David, 49-

Davidsone, Jean, " brydled," 29.

Deir, Presbytery of, 98.

Deskfuird, 1.

Devren (the water of Deveron), 146.

Dick, Mr. David, moderator of the Ge-
neral Assembly at Edinburgh, 22.

Directory of public worship, the practice
of begun, 7 1 .

Douglas, Mr. Robert, 41.

Douglas, Mr. William, minister of
Forgue, 35.

Downeis, 196.

Drachlo, 196.

Drumblett, 39-

Drumdelgie, 29. 76.

Drum, 56.

Drumuie, 143.

Drummuir, 18, 53, 142.

Drumquhill, 203.

Dubiscroft, 137.

Duff, Adam, in Clunybeg, 120.

Duff, Adam, of Drummuir, 18, 53.

Duff, James, of Bad, 18, 117, 155.

Dumbar, Mr. Gawin, 3.

Dumbennand, 25, 70, 122.

Dummeth, 251.

Duncan, Normand, 150.

Edendiach, 200.

Edinburgh, General Assembly of, 20.

Commissioners chosen for, 20, 33.
Edingight, 122, 206.
Edinglassie, 113, 145, 148.
Elgin, 33.
Essie, 33.
" Excommunicat persons," list of, 42.

Fairfoull, Mr. Andrew, 111.

Fechill, 75.

Feild, Dr., 1.

Fintray, 72.

Floores, 76.

Floors of Kirkhill, 139.

Forbes, Arthur, in Inscorsse, 3.

Forbes, Mr. Johne, minister at Kincar-
dine, 91, 116.

Forbes, Robert, tutor of Craigievar, 93,
103.

Forbes, Mr. William, minister of Mort-
lach, 73.

Forbes, Sir William, of Craigievar, 72,
76, 81.

Fordyce, Presbytery of, 63, 123, 147-

Fordyce, John, of Auchinheid, 1 65.

Forgie (Forgue), 35, 63.

Forglen, 113, 160. Part of Abercher-
dour annexed to it, 160. The people
will not submit to the change, 163.

Forres, 61.

Fortrie, 122, 196.

Eraser, Mr. Alexander, minister at Bo-

264

INDEX.

triphney, 30, 143. His deposition,
174. Repentance, 179-

Fraser, Alexander, of Philorth, 43, 45,
49, 54.

Fraser, Hugh, of Easter Tyrie, 45.

Fraser, Margaret, a fugitive witch, 124.

Frendraucht, the Laird of, 33, 35, 36,
37,49,53, 60, 96, 110, 134, 135.

Frendraucht, the Lord Viscount, 35.

Frendraucht, the Ladye of, 10, 17, 19.
To be dealt with, 35. Promises to
hear the word, 36. The General
Assembly to be consulted anent her,
38. Offers to go to the church to
which her husband goes, 67. Out of
the country, 73. Gets liberty to
attend at Forgue, 75, 81, 87, 89.
Is willing to hear the word in any
kirk but Abercherdour, 90. To be
summoned for her avowed papistrie,
93, 94, 95, 97, 98, 104, 105, 107,
113. Required to subscribe the Co-
venant, 115. She promises to con-
sider of it, 117, 135, 136. Subscribes
it, 146. Promises to give up the de-
testable wayes of poperie or popish
idolatrie, 193. See Lady Kinardie.

Garden, Alexander, minister of Forgue,

64, 134, 137.
Garden, Mr. Alexander, 227.
Garden, Mr. George, minister at Clatt,

227.
Garioch, Mr. Alexander, minister at

Cushney, 72. Presented to Keith,

76, 78, 93.
Gartly, 29. Visitation of, 99. Gleib

of designed, 137. Visitation of, 200.
Geddes, Andrew, 130.
Geddes, George, 118, 120, 128, 131,

138.
General Lieutenant (Leslie), within the

bounds of the presbytery, 104.
Gibstoun, 28, 171.
Gibson, Patrick, of Kilminnatie, 3, 18,

20.
Gillon, Mr. William, 163.
Glasgow Assembly, commissioners

chosen for, 18, 19. The commis-

sioners return, and asked why they
have done so, 19.

Glenbervie, 35.

Glengerack, 34, 102, 162. Lady, 119,
129.

Glasse, Parish of, 29, 52, 147. Visita-
tion of, 250.

Goodman, The Old, 71.

Goodman, The, land on Mains of Les-
moir given away to, 208. The laird
ordered to labour it, 209.

Gordon, Adam, of Wellhead, 77.

Gordon, Captain Adam, 34, 54.

Gordon, Alexander, of Auchanachie,
3, 20, 29.

Gordoune, Alexander, of Carneburro,
accused for receipt of priests and
Jesuits, 15.

Gordon, Alexander, in Merdrum, 19-

Gordon, Alexander of Arradoul, 75.

Gordon, Alexander of Merdrum, 53.

Gordon, Alexander of Dummeth, 251.

Gordon, George of Croillet, 206.

Gordon, George, in Colithie, 20, 139,
147.

Gordon, George, in Rhynie, cited " for
gathering grosers in time of sermon,**
9. Suspended from the eldership, 9-

Gordon, George, of Knockespock, 65.

Gordon, George, in Gulburne, 2.

Gordon, Heu, in Smithstone, 2.

Gordon, James, of Tilliangus, 13.

Gordon, Mr. James, minister at Kearne,
25. Presented to the united parishes
of Dumbennand and Kinnoir, 25, 26,
27.

Gordon, James, of Rothiemay, 25, 165.

Gordon, Mr. James, son of Robert Gor-
don of Strathloche, presented to the
church of Rothiemay, 25, 27, 35,
137, 139.

Gordon, James, of Birkenburn, 76, 96,
140.

Gordon, James, of Daach, 77, 117.

Gordon, Sir John, of Haddo, 56.

Gordon, John, of Artlach, 52.
Gordon, John, of Invermarkie, 44, 45,

54.
Gordon, John, in Walkmilne, 76, 134.

INDEX.

265

Gordon, John, in Overhall, 76, 155.

Gordon, John, in Drumdelgie, 76.

Gordon, John, in Littlemilne, 76.

Gordon, John, in Craigiehead, 76, 117.

Gordon, John, of Fechill, 75.

Gordon, John, of Ardmellie, 78.

Gordon, John, of Achynachie, 72, 76,
160.

Gordon, John, younger of Beldorney,
accused of incest and adultery, 151,
152.

Gordon, John, of Avochie, 141, 155,
170. Brings home a millstone from
Murray on a Sunday, with a great
company, 223. Confesses, 236.

Gordon, The Lord, 29, 56, 62, 140.

Gordon, Ludovick, 75.

Gordon, Lues (Lord Lewis), 78, 159,
172 175.

Gordon, Nathaniel, 85, 119, 120, 162.

Gordon, Patrik, at the Milne of Gartly,
77,97.

Gordon, Patrick, alias Steilhand, 75,
165.

Gordon, Robert, baillie of the Enzie, 34.

Gordoune, Robert, of Cowdraine, 16,
17, 25, 27.

Gordon, Thomas, in Brakless, 76.

Gordon, Sir William, of Lesmoir, 207-

Gordon, William, in Avachie, summoned
for professed popery, 162. Brought
up in the house of Huntly in the
popish religion, 178. Ordered to
confer with Mr. James Gordon, and
hear the word, 173. Hears one ser-
mon, 175. Ordered to subscribe the
Covenant, League and Covenant, &c.,
or to be removed from the parish,
210. Seeks a perusal of the Nega-
tive Confession, 211. His obstinacy
and obduredness regrated, 216. He
is removed from Avachy, 221.

Gordon, William, parishioner of Dun-
bennan, protests against Presbyterian
government, 222. He is ordered to
be excommunicated, 222. " On hear-
ing his sentence he lookit verie fro-
wai'dly, and uttered himself most
proudly and malitiously," 222.

Gordon, William, in Bray, 2.

Gordon, William, in Newmilne, 53.

Gordon, William, in Auchinhandak, 76.

Gordon, William, younger of Newton,
75.

Gordon, Anna, 39.

Gordon, Christian, sister to the good-
man of Beldorney, 151, 152.

Gordon, Dame, Elizabeth, spouse of
James Crichton of Frendraucht, 19.

Gordon, Elspet, 31.

Gordon, Jean, goodwife of Auchin-
handak, 152.

Gordon, Jean, Lady Altyre, 85.

Gordon, Margaret, Lady Assuanlie,
152.

Gordon, Nicolas, goodwife of Glen-
gerack, 34.

Gorthie, 71.

Graham, David, of Gorthie, 71.

Graham, Patrik, 71.

Grange, 34, 122.

Grange to be planted, 214. Delayed,
the storme being great, and the coun-
trie exceedingly troubled with the
Englishe, 215.

Grant, John, of Bellnadallach, 108.

Grant, the Laird of, 140.

Grant William, suspected to be ane war-
locke, 161.

Gulburne, 207.

Guthry, Mr. James, 3.

Guthry, Mr. John, sometime minister at
Keith, 3.

Hachinhead,, 142.

Hacket, Walter, notary, 14.

Hacket, Walter, of Meyen, 136, 166,
167, 168.

Haddo, 56.

Hamilton's Band, 167.

Hamilton, John, in Corse, 171-

Hammiltoune, the Lord Marquis of, 19.

Hannah, Mr. George, sometime minister
at Avas, 226.

Harper, Mr. William, permitted to in-
struct the Laird of Frendraucht's
bairns, 35. His malignant speeches
" regrated," 36. Ordained to ac-

2 L

266

INDEX.

knowledge his offence on his knees
in church, 37.

Harthill, 78.

Hay, Mr. James, of Muldavid, 113.

Hay, George, of Murifold, 101.

Haughs, 123.

Henry son, Laurence, 111.

Herries, Lord John, 57.

Hervie, Mr. James, 95, 96, 101. Mi-
nister at Upper Machar, 103. Pre-
sented to Keith, 103.

Huntly, the Right Noble George Mar-
quis of, 25, 26, 33, 46. To be ex-
communicat, 56, 57.

Huntly, Marquis of, 80, 180, 182, 183,
202, 219.

Huntly, " The Lady Marques," 58.

Iden, 42, 227.

Ila, Strath, Nethermill of, 145.

Ila, the Water of, 140.

Inch, 59.

Inchbraikie, 71.

Innes, Mr. Alexander, minister at Ro-
thiemay, 4. Deprivation of, 26.
Teaches his penitential sermon, 32.
His text, 32, 166, 167. To begin his
repentance in sackcloth, 176. Begins,
178.

Innes, Alexander, of Culvie, 141, 150.

Innes, Beroald, of Knockorth, 78, 134.

Innes, Lieutenant-Colonel Beroald, 146.

Innes, John, of Codrane, 105, 160.

Innes, Colonel John, 135.

Innes, Mr. John, 148.

Innes, John, of Edingight, 206.

Innes, Thomas, of Pathnik, 18, 41.

Innes, Walter, of Pathnik, to be ex-
communicated for the slaughter of
his father [in-law], 72.

Innes, William, 132.

Innes, William, of Tippertie, 56.

Innermarkie, 44, 54.

Inveraven, 101, 105.

Inverkeithny, 63. Visitation of, 133.
Another visitation, 149. Visitation,
241.

Inverkeithny, elders at, 1 96.

Irish army prevents doctrine, 60.

Irishes, the distressed, 39.

Irvine, Alexander, younger of Drum, 56.

Irvine, Robert, 56.

Irving, Mr. Robert, minister at Inver-
keithny, 4. Ordained " to provyd for
a reader," 4, 135. To strive against
his inarticulate utterance, 223.

Jamieson, Mr. William, 123. Objec-
tions to his admission at Kinnoir,
156. Thought not relevant, 156. He
is admitted, 186.

Jansenius, 1.

" Jesuites, or Masse Preists," 43.

Johnestoune, Mr. Archebald, 22.

Keig, 93.

Keith, 74, 90, 93, 95, 96. Grass glebe

designed, 139. Manse of, burnt by

the common enemy, 141.
Kemnay, 88, 90.

Kempcairne, 29, 62, 78, 90, 106, 206.
Kennedy, James, servitor to the Mar-
quis of Huntly, 56, 177, 179, 181.

Declaration of his wicked life and

conversation, 181. He is absolved, 1 98.
Ker, Mr. Alexander, 198. Supplication

for, by the parishioners of Grange,

206. He is admitted minister, 217.
Kerne, church of, 25.
Kilmachlyn, 108.
Kinardie, 96.
Kinardie, the Laird of, 146, 149. His

servants and family are papists, 245.
Kinardie, Lady, 225, 229, 230, 237,

238, 242, 243, 244, 246.
Kinellar, 226.

Kinkarn [Kincardine], 91, 116.
Kinnethmont, 67, 237.
Kinninmont, Mr. William, 81, 84, 88,

90, 111, 112. Settled at Keith, 115,

139, 140, 207.
Kinnoir and Dumbennan, 141, 156, 161,

175, 186.
Kinnoir, 25, 34. Plantation of, 155.

Milne of, 141.
Kirknie, 27.
Knachlee, 165.
Knock, brother to Carnusie, 110.

INDEX.

267

Knock, 37, 122.
Knockandoh, 221.
Knockespock, 65.
Knockorth, 59, 72.

Langmure, Patrik, of Balnamoon, 121.

Lares, Laird, 121.

Laurent Day, 130.

League and Covenant, Letter from the

General Assembly anent, 40.
Leith, Alexander, in Bucharn, 139, 226,

236, 237.
Leith, Patrick, of Harthill, 75.
Leslie, Crowner, 36.
Leslie, David, Lieutenant-General, 86,

88, 90, 91, 111.
Leslye, General, 22.
Lesly, Walter, of Bomakellach, 232,

240, 245.
Lesmoir, 39, 43, 78.
Lesmoir, Mill of, 207.
Lesmoir, Laird of, 160.
Lesmoir, Laird of, elder, 1 03. Younger,

109.
Lindsay, Ludovicke, sometime Earl of

Crawford, 189.
Logye, Mr. Johne, moderator of the

Presbytery of Cullen, 9.
Logic, Mr. John, sometime minister at

Ruthven, 97.
Lyon, John, of Muiresk, 39.

Machar, Upper, 101.

Maconachie, Janet, " ane suspectit
witch," 38.

Maitland, Mr. Richard, censured for his
doctrine, 7. His absence from meet-
ings of Presbytery "regrated," 10, 35.
Accused by one of his parishioners,
48. Deposed, 80. His supplication,
80. Summoned for preaching since
nis deposition, &c., 96, 97, 98, 100,
101.

Malcolme, Issobell, accused of charming,
15. Confesses that she has charmed
for twenty years, 15. To be pro-
cessed, 52.

Malice, George, 77.

Marston, Long, 59.

Massie, Mr. Andrew, minister of Drum-
blett, 39.

Matman, John, 29. " Vsed to bridle
his owne wyffe," 29.

Meldrum, Mr. George, presented to the
Kirk of Glass, 39. Admitted minister
there, 58, 146. Is spoken " scandel-
lously" of by one of his elders, 154,
225.

Meldrum, Patrick, sometime of Iden,
42, 52, 54, 227.

Melvill, Mr. George, 188.

Menzies, Mr. John, Regent in New
Aberdeen, 72. Presented to the Kirk
of Keith, 74. Refuses, 74.

Mercer, Mr. John, 229.

Merdrum, 19, 53, 65, 207.

Meyen, 136, 166.

Milne, John, stands twenty-five Sab-
baths in sackcloth for his adultery,
169.

Milton of Noth, 140.

Millegne, 122, 123, 131, 206.

Milltown, 35.

Montrose, James, Earl of, 57, 58. Mar-
ques of, 136.

Mortimer, Captain, 85.

Mortlach, 44, 63, 73.

Mortulach, 145, 148.

Muchill, 105.

Muireffe, Less, Laird of, 129-

Muldavid, 113.

Mulderie, 39.

Mures (Muiresk), 39.

Murifold, 101, 129.

Mytess, 207.

Neidfyre, kindlers of, for curing of

cattle in Grange, 51, 104, 105.
Nethermilne, 138, 147.
Newmilne, 53, 96.
Newtoun, 75.
Nicolson's Croft, 137.
Niddisdail, Robert, Earl of, 57.
Noth, 207.

Ogilvy, Alexander, of Knock, 37, 78.
Ogilvie, Alexander, of Kempcairne, 28,
196.

268

INDEX.

Ogilvie, Alexander, Writer in Edin-
burgh, 84.

Ogilvy, George, in Keith, 142.

Ogilvy, James, Lord, 57.

Ogilvy, John, of Milton, 44.

Ogilvie, Walter, 31.

Ogilvie, Jonet, guidvyff of Littilmyln,
6.

Ogilvie, Margaret, 47.

Old Craig, 42.

Old Earne (Auldearn), Battle of, 121,

129.
Oliphant, Lord, 60, 110, 149. Declines
to poperie, 223, 227, 232, 237, 238,
242, 244. He is excommunicated,

247.
Ordifull (OrdiequhiU), 166.
Overhall, 76, 154.

Palatinate, the distressed clergy of, 3.

Park, the Laird of, 92.

Paterson, John, confesses himself guilty

of incest, 64.
Penny bridals, abuses at, 4.
Peter, Mr. John, 3.
Petlurg, 203.

Petlurge, the Laird of, 53.
Petrie, Mr. James, schoolmaster at

Banff, 221, 222. Elected by the

session of Botriphney to be minister

there, 230. Some dissent, 230. His

trials stopped, 240.
Philorth, 43, 49, 54.
Phine, Alexandei", of Achanassie, 88,

92.
Pilgrimage, going in, 6. To the chappell

beyond the water of Spey, 8.
Pitfoddels, the Laird of, his daughter

to be excommunicated if " shoe keep-

ed not the kirk," 117.
Poperye, generall defection to, regrated,

15.
Preip, the witch, burnt at Banff, 5.
Pringle, John, 111.

Ramsat, Mr. Androw, 111.

Rawes, Nether, 254.

Rawes (of Strathbogie), 212.

Reid, Mr. William, minister of Gartly,

taxes his parishioners faults " bitterli,
and not in the language of the scrip-
ture," 4. Posed if he had approved
of " the engagement," 94. Demis-
sion of, 104.

Reidfurd, Mr. John, 81, 86, 97, 134,
136, 139, 164.

Reidhill, 165.

Rhynie and Essie, 33, 66.

Rhynie, visitation of, 207, 213.

Richardson, Robert, 138.

Rind, John, notary public, 137.

Robertson, Donald, tutor of Strowan, 71.

Ross, Mr. James, schoolmaster at Keith,
97, 123.

Robisone, Father, 17.

Romurrack, 203.

Ross, Mr. Henry, minister of Rhynie,
2. " Bitterli rebuked " for his ab-
sence from meetings of Presbytery,
37. Misknows his owne wyf and
children, 64. He demits, 66.

Rothiemay, 25. No burialls to be al-
lowed in kirk of, without payment,
32. Visitation of, 165.

Rothiemay, the Aisle of, 32.

Rothiemay, the Laird of, 32, 102, 139,
146. To be summoned for his acci-
dental slaughter, 169. At the ren-
dezvous in Aberdeen, 175. To make
his repentance in sackcloth, 178.

Rothiemay, the Lady, 58.

Rothiemay, the young Lady of, 225, 228,
237, 243, 244.

Row, Mr. John, 220.

Rupert, Prince, 59.

Ruven, Parish of, 15.

Saint Andrews, General Assemblie of,
28. Commissioners chosen for, 28.

Schethin, 56.

Scrogie, Mr. William, 120.

Seaforth, Earl of, 71, 74.

Seaton, Mr. John, minister, at Kemnay,
88, 91, 94.

Seaton, Johne, slaughter of, 12.

Seaton, William, of Schethine, 56.

Seifwright, William, accused of allotting
some land to the " old Goodman," 71.

INDEX.

269

Shanchare, 200.

Sharp, George, in Turterie, 165.

Sharp, Mr. John, 111.

Smyth, Mr. Johne, a preist, 17.

Sorcery, 71.

Sorcereris and charmeris within the pres-
bytery, 50. A Commission for ex-
amining into, 53.

Speed, Mr. George, schoolmaster, Keith,
3.

Spens, Mr. Alexander, 3.

Spens, Hierom, in Kinnoir, 77.

Spynie, My Lord, 39, 46.

Stewart, John, of Schearglasse, 7 1 •

Stewart, John, of Ardbrak, 30.

Stewart, Patrick, notary public, 39.

Stewart, Colonel William, 71.

Stewart, William, notary public, 54.

Stocks ordained to be got for stubborne
and unruly delinquents, 7.

Strabane, the Lady, 43, 47, 52.

Strabogy, 33, 135, 136, 176.

Strathbogie, Presbytery of, 67.

Strathbogie, Lordship of, 218. Four
ministers of, 218.

Strathloche, the Laird of, 25.

Strowan, 71.

Symson, Jean, in Rothiemay, allegis
that she has cats in her bellie, 247, 248.

Tabret, John, 121.

Tachenheid, 30.

Tailyeor, Thomas, parishioner of
Grange, complains that his mother
impeded his marriage without any
reason, 240.

Thomson, Isobel, ravished by a High-
lander, 75.

Tillieangus, 13.

Tilliedoun, 81, 136.

Tillieminnet, 200.

Tillieterniont, 203.

Tilliethrowies, 200.

Tippertie, 56.
Tod, Mr. Robert, 213.
Towiebeg, 30.

Troupe, James, notary public, 206.
Tullo, 196.
Tullobeg, 46, 254.

Tulloch, John, 28. To be excommuni-
cated, 28.
Tulloch, Mr. Patrick, 3.
Turreff, Presbytery of, 19, 63.
TurrefF, Persone of, 1.
Turterie, 134, 136, 146.
Tyrie, Easter, 45.

Urquhart, James, of Old Craig, 42,

43, 50, 52, 54, 55, 82.
Urquhart, Michaell, 75.
Urquhart, Walter, of Cromby, 35, 43,

45.

VocAT, Walter, notar public, 6.

Watson, Mr. Robert, minister, 1. Min-
ister of Grange assaulted, 21 . Threat-
ened with fire and plundering, by his
recusant adultereris, 69- Accused by
George Geddes, 118, 120, 134. His
deprivation, 160.

Walker, Margaret, accused of fornica-
tion with divers Irishes, 70.

Walker, the witch, 5.

Wallak Kirk, superstition at, to be cen-
sured, 89.

Wellhead, 77.

Westerton, 141.

Wilson, Alexander, of Achmad, 81.

Wilson, Patrick, notar public, 14.

Witches, consulting with, 5.

Woodfauld, 165.

York, 54.

Young, Mr. John, minister at Keig, 93,
95.

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